One has to wonder how public education in Florida will be transformed by decreasing enrollment and a shrinking state budget (Enrollment down 30,000 at Florida’s public schools).  Some people are discussing doom and gloom scenarios while others argue the tough times will encourage us to find more efficient ways to educate our kids.

We probably can’t do much to change the economy, but we can work together to come up with innovative approaches to provide high quality education at a reasonable cost.  Some of the latest approaches include on-line “virtual” schools, international models and back-to-basics options.  In each model, the goal is to teach more job specific skills for less money.

In addition to changing the way we teach our children academic subjects, some experts suggest we should rethink how extra-curricular activities are organized and funded.  In the January 4, 2009 News Herald article, What is in their wallets, Pat McCann talks about cuts to high school athletic programs. If we continue to run the programs with the same approach without large budgets, the quality will erode quickly.  Some pundits suggest we can provide the same or more attractive options by allowing outside organizations to offer these services.  In Europe, for example, professional sports organizations run youth teams.  In the US, national and regional sports organizations could possibly fill this role.

The thought of different types of schools and  extra curricular options is a bit unnerving.  However, in the current economic environment, creativity and flexibility are important.  If we want our kids to have the best options, we will all probably have to start thinking outside the box.

It is amazing how the world changes in a few years.  In the 80s and 90s, corporations wanted skilled people to handle programming, maintenance, marketing and manufacturing operations.  Now companies want something different.

Modern companies need broad, international thinkers who are comfortable moving between cultures and disciplines.  In today’s work environment, it is not uncommon for modern employees to work with programmers in India, manufacturing personnel in China and marketing people in Chicago, all in the course of one day.  Unlike a decade ago, it makes no sense to spend a year learning the latest computer software because it is obsolete within a few short weeks.

The speed of change is so fast, it is mind numbing.

Now the question is, can our educational system change to meet the demands of the new paradigm.  According to Catherine Gewertz, in her Education Week article, Assessing ’21st-Century Skills’ Won’t Be Easy:

“Business and higher education leaders are pleading with schools to teach ’21st-century skills,’ such as interdisciplinary thinking, that students need to flourish in an increasingly global, technology-rich society.”

However, parents and educational institutions seem to be dragging their feet, fixated on what worked in the early 90s.

At this point, kids need more than computer classes in kindergarten and special schools that focus on math and art.  To be good interdisciplinary thinkers, they need an understanding of all subjects well, really well.  As starters, everyone needs to know and understand Algebra and geometry, the periodic table and conservation of energy, the US Bill of Rights, and design and color.  We need young people who are as comfortable with differential equations as they are with discussions of the Tang Dynasty.

What we did in the 90s isn’t enough.   We need to change our perspective and expect our kids to learn more.  If we do, companies will rush to hire US graduates.  If we don’t, our kids will face tougher job prospects when they enter the workforce.

Juliann Talkington is the administrator of the Panama City Renaissance School. Reach her on 850-215-8712 or jtalkington@pcrschool.org.