Think Outside the Race

From the perspective of someone in higher education I do try to learn as much as I can from my K-12 classmates and at time sometime I do feel like on of these children left behind that we are consistently discussing. In an effort to blend both the classes we are taking this quarter I thought that I would discuss the Race to the Top initiative that the Obama administration has put into play. Using technology however has helped me gather information and understand it a little better. Coming from college athletics I completely understand the competitive incentive, but have taken the time to try to understand how is that going to really benefit students in education. This is our assignment in our Wednesday class and to be honest when i read the assignment I felt a bit lost and was wondering how I would approach the topic. However, I don't want to get stuck only learning about higher education and challenge myself to learn something new. After reading articles on the web and from the department of education website i turned to my coworker and said, "i learned something new today". This is what I enjoy and does keep me motivated in my studies. It also helps me understand the state of education today. however, when I listen to the President and Arne Duncan I try to put myself in their shoes and wonder what it must be like from a leadership standpoint. For example, the President is trying to get across a fundamental value of educating our children, but making a decision that impacts so much more. Just the brainstorming that must be incorporated in coming up with rule, criteria, definitions, and qualifications to receive funds must take so much planning, compromises, and of course conflict. Also, to be a leader and announce this race and to receive all the criticism that comes along with it. It takes a type of strength to be a leader and in essence, "think outside the box" or try to make adjustment to programs like NCLB. Also an initiative with so much money at stake and so many states and now districts competing I wonder how it will turn out. I do think that at least this race is getting people to pay attention to the state of education now. With that said media has taken the time to capitalize off of this by coming out with  documentaries addressing education. Sticking with my first theme of TV I couldn't help but throw in my two cents about Oprah and Bill Gates discussing education on her show. I particularly like the part of the show where they interview Michelle Rhee the chancellor called in to change Washington D.C. school districts and how she discussed the topic of leadership. I look forward to learning more about Race To The Top and deciding which side I would be on.

For those of you who would like to contribute to the dialogue I would love to learn form my classmates as well and see where you stand, but also lead me into the right direction of where this Race is headed... or if like the title of the new film stands, is a "race to nowhere".

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2010/01/president-calls-to-expand-race-to-the-top.html

http://www.racetonowhere.com/

Coming to Slo October 22nd at the Palm Theatre

http://www.waitingforsuperman.com/

If you missed Oprah and Bill Gates talking about education then check this out!

http://www.oprah.com/showinfo/Waiting-For-Superman-The-Movie-That-Can-Transform-Americas-Schools_2