Feds must lead on education reform

A Jan. 15, open letter to Arne Duncan, secretary, U.S. Department of Education, was inspired by John Gerdy's recent book, "Ball or Bands: Football vs. Music as an Educational and Community Investment."

Although the letter covered the relationship between athletics and academics at all levels, it is to be noted that the junior high and high school levels are critical. It is here where football programs are traditionally pitted against programs in the arts when funding becomes scarce. It's also where sports can really begin to warp a school's mission from education toward entertainment - warping that gets supercharged at the post-secondary level.

The letter provided a vehicle for spreading the word about the corporate assault on education as well as the whys and wherefores behind the failure of reform in both K-12 and higher education, It is hoped that the points made in the open letter and by the authors of referenced articles will be given thoughtful consideration and so kindle much-needed corrective action directed at the resolution of the critical issues behind the ongoing tragedy of failed reform in our nation's K-12 and higher education systems.

The action could begin with USDOE invitations to experienced educators, education historians, and representatives from players' associations to form action plans to counteract wrong decisions and the damage already incurred in their respective areas by corporate forces throughout K-12 and higher education.

Perhaps some of this can be accomplished via a series of USDOE and White House meetings directed at resolving issues identified by all critical stakeholders as well as attended by these stakeholders.

America's overall health and well-being are dependent on educational leadership that can help render an educated and skilled citizenry by focusing on the development of human capital with plenty of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

Frank G. Splitt

Mount Prospect