Education That Matters

In December 2015, Congress passed the Every Student Succeeds Act advocating four principles that will reform and improve education. These four principles are: additional state and local control, parental choice of schools, accountability and transparency for teachers, and quality content. Very likely, the ESSA will need additional money to enhance the local and state budgets and require new textbooks and software. The ESSA places more responsibility on schools and teachers but does not address the responsibilities of the student and family. It does not speak to the heart and soul of the student and his willingness to learn. Education That Matters proposes the missing Fifth Principle of the ESSA.

The Fifth Principle looks beyond the first four principles and advocates the requirements of United States citizenship before high school graduation. The Fifth Principle places the responsibility of a quality education, not only on the schools and teachers, but also on the family and the student. The fifth principle solicits the assistance of the government to enforce the laws, while encouraging quality content, knowledge of American history and government and patriotic citizenship. This principle looks into the heart and soul of the student and promotes moral principles that are imperative when adapting to the American culture---the moral principles that every responsible citizen holds near and dear to his heart.

Education That Matters is a voice for teachers and parents in cities, suburbs and rural areas demanding quality education for all students regardless of race, gender, religion, or political preference. Education That Matters promotes a philosophy of unity rather than division, a belief in prevention rather than punishment, and a vision that builds rather than destroys. With the Fifth Principle in mind, each of the following sections provides steps when building quality education.

American Public Schools Will Be Great Again supports quality education for all children. In some school communities, literacy and patriotism seem to be a thing of the past. Social skills and moral values are often overlooked. Some government policies fail to support the requirements of citizenship and downplay integrating into the American culture. These policies often pick winners and losers, create a double standard, and support a "watered down" curriculum. Without results, there is a continuous and constant advocacy for reform.

Sitting Behind the Teacher's Desk is a voice for teachers when they look into the faces of their troubled students. The negative social behaviors of violence, bullying, substance abuse and media addiction have desensitized the hearts of many students. The social problems of gangs, illegal immigrants, poverty, and illiteracy have caused many young people to resist integrating into the American culture. Sitting Behind the Teacher's Desk identifies positive role models that exemplify positive behavior and diminish negative influences. These role models can be found in every corner of society and in all walks of life. The very best role models will share the common objective of being the very best citizen possible---adopting the American culture, being patriotic, having high moral standards and knowing the English language.

Educating the Hearts and Souls of Children reveals the importance of integrating moral principles into the education process. It instructs students on a variety of positive traits, such as respect, integrity, responsibility, compassion and many other virtues. Each of these moral principles is dedicated to a group of role models who exemplify this quality. With the support of a determined community, devoted parents, and dedicated teachers, all students are encouraged to set academic, social and moral goals that are complimentary to the American culture. When moral principles are integrated into the education process, children realize they have an obligation to become educated and informed citizens. They realize they are part of a bigger picture---the American culture and citizens of the United States.

Research and teaching experiences have demonstrated that government solutions of money, better-educated teachers, and technology are not the only key ingredients in a quality education. Quality education also requires patriotism, literacy and moral principles. When moral principles replace money, literacy replaces technology, and students practice patriotism, instructors will become even better teachers. These commonalities will unite all citizens, provide a quality education and bring back "world class" education to our classrooms.

Quality education is a combination of teacher transparency and accountability, quality content in the classroom, local and state guidance, and allowing families to choose an alternative school when their public school fails to meet established standards. In addition, quality education is: