Obama's Map For Education is Critical

President-elect Obama has a background inStudents already come to school unprepared to learn.
community service that frequently put him in touchTheir parents are unaware of the role that they play
with individuals whose K12 education was lacking. Hisin their child's future. Obama and his wife Michelle
compassion to implement strategies that bring abouthave an opportunity to participate as supporters of
access to the best education for all students is criticalparents who need guidance to effectively educate
to our nation's future. With all of the talk about thetheir children. There needs to be encouragement so
financial crisis the president-elect needs to makethat parents talk to their children about where they
education a major priority. We are fast approaching awill go to college rather than if they will go to college.
significant period where large numbers ofTheir must be a definite response that reaffirms that
professionals will retire. There is potential for a largelycollege is possible. This tone should be set at the
underutilized workforce that needs more educationbeginning of Obama's presidency.
to help the country will remain unemployable inIt would be great to say that after the presidents
corporate level jobs. As the states continue tofirst 100 days in office education gained ground in the
struggle due to a loss of tax revenue more must bewar against economic instability. There should be a
done to keep education funding afloat. Losses inplan in place that outlines how education in this
financial resources to educate the youth who are thecountry must change. Just like we have witnessed
rising workforce will put many companies in jeopardy.what a weak infrastructure can do to a country we
More needs to be done to highlight the educationare witnessing a national school system that needs
issues that students and parents face today.repair. The president must diligently hear messages
Education is not affordable at all levels. There needsthat demonstrate that the education of every citizen
to be a road map that leads to creative solutions.is important. The country needs more adult learners
Many of the larger cities and rural school districts areto pursue additional education. Obama must
underfunding the education investment that should beemphasize that it is never too late to renew your
received for each student. One idea is to havedesire for education.
corporations to receive some type of tax credit forPresident-elect Obama has an opportunity to create
investing their finances in local schools. This type ofa lot of good will within the education community.
innovative idea would provide two benefits. First itThere are K12 schools and colleges that need to
could raise corporate involvement in making schoolknow that there contributions to society are valued.
better. Secondly it would help more students toObama could work with the congress to require
prepare for the world of work. More mentors arebanks who are receiving money to invest 5 percent
also needed in all of the schools because studentsof their stimulus dollars to improve resources for local
are unaware of how companies work.schools. Our country needs an education revolution
President-elect Obama must not back away from thethat raises the inspiration of students, parents and
education crisis. If the country backs down fromteachers to expect the best from the American
addressing the education crisis we will suffer severely.education system.