Creating Our Future: Some Challenges for American Precollegiate Education

Abstract

As we move into this new decade, it may be useful to consider some of the ­challenges that face the American education system if all students (especially students of color and students raised in poverty) are to leave high school not only career and college ready, but also prepared to take on the roles of participating citizens at the community, state, and national levels—goals many Americans hold for their children. Without claiming to be exhaustive, I focus on four challenges we face in reaching these goals, listed in order of importance. The challenges are:

• Closing minority–majority achievement gaps

• Implementing at-scale quality early childhood education programs

• Implementing quality summer school programs for children in need

• Educating the whole child