As we address these challenges to education in the next century, one thing will have a significant impact on our ability to create the educational system our citizens will need. We must re-create a sense of urgency within the community to come together for the common good of all children. In the past, our strength as a country and a society has been the ability to blend individual ideas and commonly held ideals to create a society that cherishes the new while seeking a common foundation upon which to build. It will continue to be of utmost importance in the future. Please do not mistake this as a call for altruism.
Nothing holds more self-interest for more people than the education of all our children.
A colleague recently related to me a comment she heard at a program for educators. A speaker there reminded his audience that the responsibility of public education was great because public education creates the public. What our children learn and how they learn it ultimately affects every one of us. When we come to the close of the next century and turn to look back on what we have accomplished, I believe our ability to engage our communities in the success of our children will be a critical factor in gauging our success. Andy Tompkins is Kansas' secretary of education.