In his September 1st column, “It’s Still Halftime in America,” Thomas L. Friedman sifts through his political ideals, his thoughts on the presidential campaign, and his remembrance of Neil Armstrong - and comes to the conclusion that what is missing is an inspiring journey of progress that would elevate us as a nation. This journey, he argues, could be educational opportunity for all.
Now that we have put a man on the Moon, let’s commit to keeping everyone in school. Let’s commit that, within a decade, every American will have the tools for, and financial access to, some kind of postsecondary education — whether it is vocational school, community college or a four-year university. Because without some higher education that makes you “work ready” for one of today’s good jobs and a lifelong-learner for one of tomorrow’s, you’ll never secure a decent job or realize your full potential here on Earth.
Friedman concludes by reminding us that a journey like this needs a map.
And in a September 5th response by way of a Letter to the Editor, Nancy Zimpher asserts that we already have a map: the Strive Cradle to Career Framework.
The map is drawn. A national commitment to using it is the reform America needs to secure our status as a world leader in education.
Read Chancellor Zimpher’s letter in it’s entirety here: A Road Map for Education
