The Main Thing

“Until our society dedicates itself more to the #SUBSTANTIVE rather than the #PERFORMATIVE, we will not advance at the pace required for the substantial #CHALLENGES we #COLLECTIVELY face.”

--Marcus Lingenfelter

Substantive: important, meaningful, considerable; firm basis in reality

Performative: dramatic, artistic performance

What a powerful sentiment! I believe change is needed—particularly as it relates to education in our country. And by education, I mean everything from pre-kindergarten through post-secondary studies. It has been said we are never more than one generation away from extinction. If we cannot pass onto our children a quality education that prepares them to be fulfilled, productive citizens, then we have failed as a country. Some will argue that “quality” means different things to different people; and it probably does. And many might even argue the definition of education. But can we agree on a high-level purpose of education—to prepare our young people for life, work, and citizenship?

Life is ever-changing in our world. The opportunities and global connectedness we now have are unlike any time prior. Our social systems are interwoven. We need to educate students on understanding their own values as well as respecting the diversity of others. It is okay for there to be differences and that is in fact what makes our country and our lives interesting, intriguing, and distinctive. Living in a community (local or global) respectful of differences is imperative.

Work is not what it used to be. Work looks drastically different now than it did just three years ago! Technology advancement has changed the landscape. But the change is not so sweeping that we don’t need our vocations still. Our tradespeople are just as important now as they were decades ago. We must find ways to connect students with their own passions, interests, and talents with the world of work—and we need to do it early in their education journey.

Citizenship requires we equip and empower students with the responsibilities of collective life and in particular that of democracy. Democracy must be understood, valued, and defended by each generation otherwise it will be lost and perhaps never known again. Democracy is not a given. As John Dewey noted, “Democracy has to be born anew every generation, and education is its midwife.”

As the saying goes, “Keep the main thing the main thing.” Let’s dedicate ourselves to collectively working together to improve the state of #education in our country. Let’s refocus our lenses on the main thing. Let’s come to the table and solve our challenges and let’s do it with a sense of urgency. Our society and our children deserve better.