With paralysis overwhelming our most cherished levels of government and confusion dominating social media, the level of disinformation has become alarmingly high and quite concerning. With such distraction in the background, it is hard to discern what is truly happening to society, let alone know where we rank on any measure of social skill or leadership competence. This is especially the case when assessing our nation’s level of educational knowledge.  

While belief proudly promotes the U.S. represents the most productive workers and the most innovative minds in the world, we now risk losing our edge as a nation. In education, we used to take pride in being first to guarantee access to universal education. We were also tops in doctoral attainment during the past half century. Yet, we have slipped considerable afield from both standings. America now ranks 33rd out of the 44 advanced economies when it comes to the percentage of young people attaining a post-high school degree. We also now rank middling in science and math among OECD countries.  

In preschool education, the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development just ranked America 35th out of 37 major economies when it comes to investing in early childhood education as a percent of GDP. Today, barely half of three- and four-year olds are enrolled in early childhood education. In Germany, France, and the UK, for example, that number is more than 90%.

As we stalemate about critical decisions and argue endlessly about past due debts, other countries are rapidly catching up. Here I am reminded of one of Obama’s favorite quotes: “The countries who out-educate us today will out-compete us tomorrow.” Education is truly at the forefront of our economic wellbeing. Most basic is that this is not merely an educational necessity, but an economic imperative. We must re-direct energies to competitively rescue the fast-changing global economy of the 21st century.

Investing in education is investing in people. There are no two ways around it. If we are going to overcome challenges facing our educational system, we must beat the world by investing in our children. This includes preschool education as well as K-12 public education and tuition-free community colleges.

Without doubt, our schools need to be places where students will gain the skills they need to carve their place in the 21st century economy. Let’s argue more vehemently about a stronger educational enterprise for our children rather than who should wear a mask. In all seriousness, this is about leading the world in education, without the bravado that we were once the best. The rest is poppycock. For information on the author and his biography, and if you would like additional information on books published by the author.