Innovation is Our Edge

I viewed the film tonight in Palo Alto. I didn't need to be convinced of the issues presented. I've been trying to balance our family values with our community pressure since my kids were in Kindergarten.

In elementary school, I pushed back on the homework load at every level. I was told that there were just as many parents asking for more homework as there were parents asking for less. As the kids around them pushed harder, my kids felt they were not as smart as the other kids and their self esteem was affected. I just keep encouraging them to stick with it and they will blossom. I just hope they don't give up on themselves.

This is a sociological problem that cannot be solved easily. In our area, there are many immigrants who come from countries whose school systems put even more pressure on the kids than we're seeing here. The kids are tested in Jr High School to determine whether they'll go to a university or a vocational school. I have a relative from one of these countries. She tells me that when she was in school they went from 8am to 5pm and came home with homework. This is what we're trying to compete with. This is why we're falling behind when we compare test scores. The only way we can get out of this race is if we start comparing something else.

The reason this country has thrived has not been because we've had the best test scores. We've thrived because of innovation. We've thrived because of our free thinking and our resiliency. This is not something that can be tested or even taught, but it is something that can be fostered and encouraged. We need to get back to basic learning of solid fundamentals and get away from rote teaching and learning. We need to gain time back into the school day for discussion and critical thinking.

As we look to make changes in our society, we must have compelling reasons to change. Something to be gained. If we just say that we're all stressed, it sounds like we're wining. Wining will not compel our politicians to make a change. If we can show them how innovation will boost their paycheck, maybe we have a chance.

Good luck to us all.