Mission Statement

It’s our education; it’s our future!

Education is one of the cornerstones of American society. The very future of the country is built upon it. Competition in the global marketplace starts in the classroom. America’s political, economic, and social leaders of tomorrow are its students of today.

Lawmakers understand this significance, as reform in education has been a priority on the minds of politicians for centuries, but change is not always necessary. In fact, it can sometimes be negative, and this is the dilemma we, as students, face today.

Written in 2001, President George W. Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) intended to improve primary and secondary schools in America by increasing federal involvement. At its core, it claims to be based on “accountability for results, more choices for parents, greater local control and flexibility, and an emphasis on doing what works based on scientific research.” The plan sounded encouraging to anyone with a stake in the educational system.

However, appearances can be deceiving, because more than anything else, NCLB bred criticism and opposition from numerous directions. Poorly implemented programs have plagued the plan for years, either targeting the wrong problems or not targeting problems whatsoever.

These problems are not the fault of state or local institutions, however. With so much of the legislation left to the discretion of the states themselves, one may be quick to place the blame there. In reality though, this strictly top-down mandate is flawed due to its source: the federal government. It is no wonder school systems around the country are encountering so many problems trying to live up to the requirements of NCLB. After all, the document is so vague and adulterated by its over-emphasis on compromise and bipartisanism that it barely outlines any significant or substantive goals.

NCLB stresses accountability within the educational system, and we as students and citizens must stress accountability within the government and other administrative bodies. Positive change can rarely come solely from the top down, as NCLB has demonstrated over the past several years. Genuine, effective, and progressive change comes from the bottom, the people, and in this case, the students.

It is our education, and this is our outlet to organize on a large scale. If you are unhappy with changes brought down on your education by your government, this is the time and the place to speak out and act out. I urge you to voice your opinion, be heard, and make a difference, and that is exactly what this blog and this movement is all about.