As the country seeks school reform, and states scramble to qualify for more stimulus funding in the Race to the Top, I’d like to see Oprah regularly address "what works" and "what we should be doing" in schools nationwide. This should not be a one-time show, but a regular, even weekly, feature of her programming.
Oprah could organize a weekly segment entitled "Best Practice" - which is a buzzword for figuring out what works in the classroom. One week she could focus on literacy and reading instruction by featuring Cris Tovani's books, "I Read It, but I Don't Get It" and "Do I Really Have to Teach Reading." She could follow this with shows on Everyday Math and other controversial math programs, and the issue of a "national curriculum," as well as issues of standardized testing and how much they should matter. She could discuss teacher training, foreign education systems, the importance of arts and activities, and controversies like charter schools, voucher systems, and equality in funding.
Other shows could spotlight "college readiness" and the need for more associate degree seekers and career and technical education. She could feature Dr. David Conley, a Pew Center researcher and author of "College Knowledge" - another great Oprah Book Club possibility. Related to this, Oprah could highlight a reform study called Tough Choices, Tough Times, and spotlight the reforms happening in New Hampshire which may allow high school graduation at sixteen for students entering community colleges and technical schools.
With the theme of "Change" in America, Oprah offers an excellent venue for the regular emphasis that the system needs. If you agree, do me a favor and cut and paste this post into the "Show Recommendation" section of Oprah's website.
4 comments:
That all sounds well, but I must say that Oprah is just DEAD WRONG about a WHOLE lot of things.
Certainly, I would agree. Yet, no one is perfect. And, Oprah has made many incredible contributions to society, using her influence to lift people up.
Of course, she's also, at the same time, become fabulously wealthy. And for as much as she gives to charity, I wish she'd do ten times more.
But I can fault a woman on a life pretty well lived. I just wish she would choose the right books for that book club.
Did you email her?
No. ;)
While this is a novel idea and I agree with the points to be discussed, I don't think it would ever make weekly airing. She has too many other important topics to cover like Brad Pitt's new movie and teen pregnancy. Clearly education is not at the the top of America's priority list.
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