Before I start I must admit to you that this is not about what you think.  This is not about my opinion on the tax cut debate.  Yesterday I was doing some research on the web whenwhen I came across an article in the New York Times entitled” What Does $60 Billion Buy?” (David Lionheart)  It talked about the expiring Bush tax cuts and its effects on households by income level.  I won’t go into great detail about the specifics in the article and I would suggest to you that it is an interesting read.  I will say that articles like this provide information a person could use, to make an intelligent decision with regardBefore I start I must admit to you that this is not about what you think.  This is not about my opinion on the tax cut debate.  Yesterday I was doing some research on the web s to how their government should run.  

No this is not about the substance of the tax cut debate. 

 It is about whether the students being taught today, have the skills  to analyze data, and make the decisions necessary to keep the society they live in productive and functional for all members. Whether from television, print, internet, a clergyman, teacher, family member or a friend, will our students have the ability to distinguish the truth from fiction, or will they need others to make their decision for them?  Will they be able to read the Times article and use it to make a decision on how their government should spend their money?

As a supporter of Practical Learning I believe preparing our students for this challenge goes further than the basic educational training in our schools today.  Incorporating programs that teach how to prepare and manage a budget, civics classes on how a government runs, and using case studies incorporated in a course to teach how to analyze and make critical decisions,  are a few examples of ways to prepare students for effective citizenship.    This is what I think Practical Learning can achieve.  Parents should want students to be ready to take responsibility in not just managing their everyday lives but also in the community they live.  They should have the ability to:

1. Search for the information.
2. Understand what they are reading or hearing.
3. Analyze and form an opinion about the topic.
4. Know how to act on that topic and put their feelings into action.

No this is not about an article about the tax cuts but eventually it could be.  It is about education and making sure our student’s are prepared to accept the responsibility that comes with adulthood and citizenship.