THE+EDUCATIVE+SOCIETY

=The Educative Society=

Many people believe that the role of education is to support society. Some claim, for example, that the purpose of education is to help the American economy remain strong in a global market. A more important perspective is that the purpose of society is to support lifelong education. Hence, we are calling in these critical times for "The Educative Society," a society that promotes education in every arena and for every citizen.

For our society to thrive, our schools must thrive; for our schools to thrive, America must become an educative society. In the past many American innovations have changed the world: the airplane, the production line, the telephone, the computer, and the Internet. Our musical and cultural innovations have been accepted internationally; our efforts to build a rainbow nation is the pride of the world. As a country we must value lifelong learning so future waves of innovation come from our shores.

Revitalizing Educational Opportunity
Much of the emphasis of NCLB lies with defining minimal standards our students must achieve. Moving beyond this goal, HOPE seeks to construct a national culture that seeks higher and higher educational standards. American educational policy must be defined by the skies of its potential, not by the floor of minimal standards. For this reason we must invest to bring out the best and brightest of our students. We call for:
 * Based on the Japanese tradition of "juku," support for afterschool programs that inspire increased educational opportunities;
 * High schools that offer opportunities for college-level courses and independent study opportunities;
 * Increased access to higher education for all citizens;
 * Increased tuition-assistance for students;
 * Loan forgiveness for graduates who become teachers;
 * Support for undergraduate and graduate studies in issues critical to the New National Defense such as peace education, environmental education, human rights education, and economic and developmental education;
 * Support for the study of cultures and vital international languages.

Continuing Education
Education is a lifelong pursuit that enriches the soil of our nation. Every citizen must feel that he/she has the potential to open up a bright path towards the future through continuing education sponsored at local institutions and the Internet.

Continuing education is also necessary to help our nation overcome critical issues now facing us. Support should especially be given to promote continuing education in the following areas:

Health Education:
Skyrocketing medical expenses point to the need to promote continuing health education. Health education needs to include the study of traditional and alternative practices to maintain health and well being.

Physical Education:
The proliferation of gyms, weight-loss programs, and exercise classes point to the public's perceived need to promote physical health. Physical Education needs to include the study of the human body and healthy strategies for an active lifestyle.

Ethical-Cultural Education:
With the such shifts in the world such as the rise of newly developed countries, the development of the EU power bloc, and the transfer of wealth to petro nations, ethical-cultural education needs to include critical-thinking and problem-solving to lead society in the direction of peaceful co-existence, collaboration, and leadership on a global scale.

Energy Education:
Careful analysis and decision-making will be necessary skills in the use of our country's limited resoures. Energy education needs to include the study of current and alternative sources of energy.

Senior Education:
Many seniors are currently being shunned from the work force and are underemployed. Educational initiatives must be launched to encourage the reintegration of this human capital into our economy.