Step+One+Name+of+Proposal


 * The most important part of the proposal is its title. NCLB, whatever its controversy, is the example of an excellent title. It rings, it's hard to disagree with "no child left behind," it cuts across ideology and party. It's something that means something.

I give an idea below. What do you think? Does it meet the criteria above? Do you have alternative ideas?

Suggested theme: "Education for Global Citizenship"** //American education must be aligned to the needs of America in a global age. American students must be fully prepared and poised to make important contributions to the global society. Every aspect of American society--schools, the economy, families, the media, the church--must be drawn into this struggle.

-I agree with Monte that the name NCLB cuts across party lines. Another key feature of NCLB is it's stress on accountability. It makes education measurable in a way that everyone can understand. (Scores go up or down, students pass or fail.) Whether or not all educators agree that what is being measured by NCLB is meaningful, the public has the sense that they can evaluate its success. How can we offer this same appeal to all? The description Monte offers has wide-spread appeal, as well as integrity, but I'm not sure the name will resonate for the whole country... No Child Left Behind sounds like a mandate or a call to action. Education for Global Citizenship is stated more passively. Maybe we could borrow Hollis's school name: Educate Beyond Borders.


 * ) Eva

I like how the theme can be flexible and powerful: local and global concern and awareness. I am not sure that the publc will be clear on what this means. For instance, some might think the focus is on protecting Planet Earth from a purely environmental point of view. When they hear "important contributions to the global society," some will question what this looks like. How can we articulate a goal that responds to the concerns of a public that has always heard "achievement gap," "nation at risk", "supply and demand"?

Karla//