We must continue to offer a liberal arts education while preparing students to succeed in the information age. One challenge that we face is that the majority of students, even good ones, believe that much of the present academic curriculum is not worth the effort it takes to learn it. There is a difference between real and perceived quality. American schools are doing a better job of educating all children, but the public and students do not see it this way. The changes we are experiencing in society have brought competition in education.
Students have choices.
Charter schools, private schools using vouchers, home schools, virtual schools, and commercial online education providers. Each of these providers is growing, and their quality is not consistent. It is important for all educators to work on continual quality improvement. Effective schools are places where why is more important than how. Technology must serve as a way for students to think, present, research and do, in different, more enriched, and more powerful ways.