U.S. schools struggle because our nation lacks a united education vision | Opinion

Different pages

The dismal academic performance of American K-12 students compared with peers in other industrialized countries is obvious. Employers lament the lack of qualified applicants. Social services are overwhelmed. Who or what is responsible? What can be done?

An aspect of the issue rarely discussed is the difference between public education in the United States and that in other countries. In the U.S., there is no national vision of public education — no goals and policies exist to ensure a system best suited not only for the individual but for the greater good of the nation. There is national frustration, but no consensus.

Our public education system is a 50-state hodgepodge of visions, policies and practices. Families, voters, civic leaders and government officials have influence in each state. All are involved; no one is responsible. What outcomes would you expect?

- William H. Koehler, Fort Worth

Eyes opened

Do you like the America you see now? Do you like the greed and corruption of our so-called public servants? What about the protection of child sex predators? The cruelty of immigrant deportation when no crime other than illegal entry has been committed? The disregard for the Constitution and the rule of law? The substitution of unproven ideas for science-based health care?

Growing numbers of American see beyond the painful reality of the moment and are seeking a better country than either political party has proposed. The value of leaders with integrity who value a democratic America is apparent.

- Loveta Eastes, Fort Worth

Inside of us

I commend Walmart for its recent action to remove synthetic dyes from some of its food products. One can only guess how many positive health outcomes this will produce.

Meanwhile, other retailers such as Target removed lethal tobacco products from their shelves years ago. Where is Walmart on that?

- David Fusco, Arlington

Try, at least

For a retired professor, threats to diversity, equity and inclusion are like using four-letter words to stigmatize institutions that overtly welcome populations harmed in the past.

I’m a white native Texan, and my K-12 education included no native minority classmates. After graduate school, I never met a Black chemistry Ph.D. until the 1970s.

By the late 20th century, some things, including gender equality, improved. But whole generations of us grew up where public schools, drinking fountains and restrooms were segregated until, thankfully, the sacrifices of Martin Luther King Jr. and those like him “woke” some of us.

It’s not what we say but what we do. It’s not a perfect world. But it was a better one when we not only recognized inequities but did something about them.

- Robert G. Landolt, Pantego