A Conversation with U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander

Last night I received an invitation to speak with Senator Lamar Alexander about the America Competes Act. I know that Will Richardson received the same invitation. I'm not sure who else received it. But, Will's invited readers to suggest talking points. I'd also be happy to take suggested talking points. But, I'm going to read Will's blog as well. So if you've already posted over there don't feel obligated to double post.

I do think that it will be essential to emphasize the importance of social studies education to ensure that our nation has the capacity to continue to compete. Social studies education is designed to teach students how to get along in the world in which we live. Technological tools are simply the instruments that we have available to get along, if you will. Unfortunately, No Child Left Behind mandates neither the teaching of social studies or the testing of it. This omission has diminished the subject's importance. But if students don't learn how to get along in the world they won't be able to do so. Therefore the subject's obviously very important and should be included in the revision of NCLB.