|
Academic Achievement:
Are We Cheating Success?
The latest alleged cheating scandal at Harvard University, one of the nation’s most respected and elite academic institutions, has once again raised questions about the conscience and caliber of our nation’s youth. In our quest for a competitive edge, are we cheating long-term success by our short-sighted hyper-focus on academic test scores? What are the real attributes of success; how can we make certain that the next generation of Americans remain relevant and competitive in a global world?
Some are suggesting our American roots, past and present, offer a few clues. An Op Ed piece in the Wall Street Journal, Where Have All the Cowboys Gone, reminds us of the grit, perseverance and code of honor that our pioneers and politicians lived by.
And for educators, research cited in this week’s Connect with Kids blog suggests that our current culture is still driven by the same connection, compassion and ethos that Americans have always embraced.
Researchers are publishing a series of studies that show building character and improving culture through social and emotional connections is one of the best ways to achieve sustainable success. As we evaluate how to help American students gain momentum in the global race to the top, maybe we should restore our individualism as exhibited by our ancestors and look to our own heritage.
Perhaps, it is time to remember and remind a younger generation that when embraced, the remarkable and sometimes indefinable character of the human spirit wins the race.
|
Check out our new website
Reboot Red Ribbon Week…Anytime
Recent Comments