Educational Leaders Gather in Denver to Discuss an Educational System in Crisis

By Derek Stanek

Yesterday in downtown Denver educational leaders from across the country gathered in the Space Theater to discuss education reform. The 2008 Rocky Mountain Round Table featured panelists such as former Colorado Governor Roy Romer, Founder of the Broad Foundation Eli Broad, Best Buy VP of Industry and Public Affairs Paula Prahl, Co-Founder of Knowledge is Power Programs (KIPP) Mike Feinberg, National Educational Association Executive Director John Wilson, The Aspen Institute President and CEO Walter Isaacson, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Massachusetts Foundation 2020 Chris Gabrieli, and other notable educational leaders. A quick speech was also given by Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.

Right away they dove into the major issues as to why American schools are in such bad shape. They noted that out of 30 industrial nations America ranks 21st in science and 25th in math. Governor Romer was very vocal on the point stating that, “We’re falling behind fast”, that “We are being challenged by people who are higher skilled,” and “[ranking] 25th in the world, means ranking 25th in line for a job.” However, his most powerful comment came when he stated, “How much time do we have left?” Governor Romer pointed out that American schools are simply running out of time, and asked, “Where is the national will behind this issue?”

Solutions were quick to come to the forefront of the conversation. Walter Isaacson suggested recruiting the best kids out of college to become teachers. Prevalent in the conversation was the notion that Americans are not doing enough to drive the idea that teaching is a great service to this country.

John Wilson called for, “Changing standards to embrace the 21st century.” All of the panelist agreed that more technology needs to be implemented and utilized in today’s classrooms.

Paula Prahl made the point that national standards were looked at as a point of weakness when she said, “We have national standards for thermostats, is it to much to ask for national standards for education.” The panel all agreed that it would be great to see fifteen states come together to create national standards for education and to encourage other states to follow their lead. Governor Romer touched on the topic and called for more research into a “good authentic test.” According to monitor Tom Touch, $8,000 per kid was spent on education last year, while only $25 per kid was spent on testing and test development.

It was a rather somber mood in the theater yesterday afternoon and was summed up best by Chris Gabrieli when he stated, “We’ve flat lined since the 70s’.”