An Insider's Guide to Education for Parents

Reflecting On Education As The New Year Approaches

As 2009 rapidly comes to an end, it is a time of reflection about this past year and rededication to the important priorities in the coming year. In many ways 2009 will stand out as a year of conflicting messages about our nation’s commitment to its children.

As President Obama and Secretary of Education Duncan reaffirmed their commitment to education, beginning with our youngest citizens, states cut back dramatically on funding for both early childhood and K-12 education as they scrambled to balance budgets in a time of serious financial decline. As the research continued to mount as to the importance of education in preparing our nation’s children for the increased competitiveness of a global economy and the indisputable returns on investments in early childhood education, education issues seemed to be trumped by the immediate challenges posed by the financial crisis, health care reform, and even climate change. The rhetoric was strong and compelling; the commitment of resources lacking.

Perhaps 2010 will be the year when our nation is prepared to live up to the promise to give every child a fair and equal chance to participate in the American dream—a promise that will only be realized by matching noble aspirations with the financial resources that reflect a firm belief that dollars spent on education are not a public expense, they are an investment in all our futures.

I will not be posting again until the New Year. So, until 2010, I wish you, your families, and all your loved ones a joyous holiday season. In the meantime, please let me know what you are interested in hearing about in the coming year so that An Insider’s Guide can provide you with information and insights that matter to you in the most important work you do…parenting.