Another interesting article from The New York Times: The Biggest Issue by David Brooks reasons why the US became the economic power of the 20th century, and uses data from education research to explain why our nation is losing this power position. According to Brooks, it adds up to a “skills slowdown.”
"America’s edge boosted productivity and growth. But the happy era ended around 1970 when America’s educational progress slowed to a crawl. Between 1975 and 1990, educational attainments stagnated completely. Since then, progress has been modest. America’s lead over its economic rivals has been entirely forfeited, with many nations surging ahead in school attainment."
Brooks points to a report by James Heckman:
“Heckman directs attention at family environments, which have deteriorated over the past 40 years. Heckman points out that big gaps in educational attainment are present at age 5. Some children are bathed in an atmosphere that promotes human capital development and, increasingly, more are not. By 5, it is possible to predict, with depressing accuracy, who will complete high school and college and who won’t."
How tragic is that? A point to reflect on! As educators, the progress of a nation rests on our shoulders—how do we grapple with such persuasive evidence… Can we really predict a child’s future with such accuracy?
Recently, I read some research about twins that were separated at birth—the study had to do with relative IQ. It was interesting to note that at about the age 5, the difference in IQ points between two separated identical twins was the largest… I would have thought it to be the opposite. But, as separated twins grow older, they are more likely to move IQ status closer… If I’m understanding this data correctly, then educators have more influence than Heckman credits—coupled with Brooks rationale as to why America is lagging behind, that give educators, IMHO, a boost in motivation! No, educators do not have the kind of influence on a child that parents and family do, but educators do make impact. It’s just so hard to measure intervention...
If it’s true that “the skills slowdown is the biggest issue facing the country,” then what is our response going to be? We can’t keep doing the same thing as we’ve always done and expect a different result…
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