Since the country’s founding, we have believed in American economic exceptionalism. Each new generation of Americans is expected to enjoy living standards above and beyond those enjoyed by their parents. Is America still the land of economic opportunity and mobility or have the structure and culture of American society changed causing the economic stagnation and immobility that some see? If so, what can be done to reverse current trends? In searching for causes, some point to our vaunted system of public education and declare that it has failed us. On international tests, our K-12 students routinely fall far short of both our expectations and of the scores of students in other developed economies. Has our K-12 system broken down? Are we failing to meet our national educational mission of preparing our young adults to (1) lead productive and prosperous lives, (2) be responsible law-abiding citizens, and (3) be productive members of the labor force and society? We will consider, as well, the changing nature of the crucial non-school factors– the culture and structure of family life in America–searching for effective policy options. All of these issues will likely be at the heart of the political campaigns of 2016; you’ll be prepared for the debates and discussions to come.
