It requires no “leap of faith,” to declare that, (1) the Nation’s present state of rancorous divisiveness poses an existential threat to its historically, unique democracy, and further, (2) that its wide educational divide is, inarguably, the most profound and impactful, cause. Accordingly, the healing of the Nation, and the preservation of its precious democracy, would, logically and empirically, make necessary, the addressing of said identified cause of such crucial and momentous, division
Concurrently, American schools face substantial challenges, as they endeavor to compete with other Nations in the global arena. There has been a consistent record that America’s schools and its general educational process, shamefully, fall well behind those of other developed countries.
The foregoing observations constitute one of the rare instances of universal concurrence, in the Nation’s current and unfortunate, plethora of militant, divisive camps. The salient issue, therefore, is the conception of a utilitarian and acceptable, means to assuage such foundational problem. We would propose a perceived and effective means to such a solution of the problem, viz., to the reduction of such antagonistic differences in citizens’ world and domestic views, caused, by the conceded, significant, educational divide. As a separate matter, but of related interest, it is notable, that nationwide political studies have consistently, shown, that voters with advanced, academic degrees, tend to favor the Democrats, and those without such higher education, seem to gravitate to the Republican Party.
Education, inarguably, and empirically, being an incremental process, it would seem logical to consider the supplemental education of our nascent, American voters and future participating citizens.
In light of the stated need for a more cohesive and well-informed, American society and relative to such identified need for the supplementation of the education of the young, we are obliged to recommend a change in the traditional course of the school year. Based upon America’s poor international, academic rankings, it would appear to be pragmatically, necessary to amend the traditional school year, in order to increase the needed instructional time.
Until the last century, many school districts operated on a varied calendar, which was, specifically, based upon the agrarian needs of the community. We can initially, anticipate a negative reaction to our present suggestion that the school summer break, usually, eight to ten weeks, be abridged, or totally eliminated. The communication of the need, for a responsible perspective on the subject, might overcome any understandable, feelings of loss of leisure and social freedom; especially, when, advisedly, measured against the significant relationship between the quality of education of our citizenry and the perpetuation of our singular standing in the world. Interestingly, it may, be noted that, apparently, several research studies, have documented a “slide,” or a decline in student achievement, immediately following the period of the traditional “summer break.”
The American public would need to be made cognizant that the inconvenience and personal sacrifice of liberty, inherent in a mandatorily, prescribed supplemental education, like the subjects of taxes and military service, are existentially, necessary for the survival of the Nation and its democratic way of life. Perhaps some incentives, like tax benefits or a modest remuneration might be devised to encourage acceptance of the felt, inconvenient, but, necessary, obligation. As an additional matter, and, inarguably, one of cogent value, the participants will accrue a more meaningful and interesting life, resulting from the increased enhanced learning and enlightenment.
In a matter of such vital National significance, adult citizens, as well, should, responsibly, consider themselves amenable, as well, to supplement, their present level of education, where deemed needed. It was Thomas Jefferson, who famously, declared, that a democracy can succeed and endure, only if it has an educated and informed, citizenry. Citizens lacking in necessary education, will, empirically, benefit from a policy of supplemental education in the context of personal self-advancement and a richer life experience, while, simultaneously, (thematically) acting in accord with the vital interest in the preservation of our democracy and the avoidance of its degradation to the condition of autocracy. The mainstream, responsible citizen should, therefore, be open and, receptive to programs that further his education and add personal enrichment.
As necessary, incentives for adult citizen participation, such as tax benefits, theater and sports tickets, as well as those suggested above, might be made available for recalcitrant citizens. Organized special interest groups, might be found to be socially desirable in sync with a well-publicized media effort, reciting the benefits to our Nation, and directly, to the individual. Elective courses might be offered in Civics and Government, American and European History, Literature, language, and Science, or other discipline as publically, desired.
The goal and aspiration of the programs and policies proposed, would initially, affect the necessary educational enhancement and quality of life of the individual citizen, and, thereby, additionally, accomplish the critically, important, strengthening and ultimate preservation of our precious and unique democracy.
-p.
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