2011 Will Be Another Big Year for Education

Education reform was perhaps the hottest issue of the year in 2010. The issues within the issue were as diverse as they were controversial. From paying teachers based on student performance to closing failing schools and opening new charters - these all became important issues in politics and in the blogosphere.

Remember the Race to the Top education grant program initiated in early 2010? U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan offered millions of dollars to states that pushed for comprehensive reforms. Then we got word that Chinese students were (again) outperforming American students on tests in reading, science, and math. Both of these news items proved that the national education debate wouldn't end anytime soon.

And then there was the general public's exposure to the problems within our education system. Three documentaries opened the discussion to "everyday" citizens. "Waiting for Superman" was the biggest success. The story focused on five elementary school students and their desire to get a quality education. The other two films - "The Lottery" and "The Cartel" focused on charter schools and education in New Jersey, respectively.

So what's in store for 2011? One thing is certain: America's education system is changing, for better or for worse - that remains to be seen. Arne Duncan's education competition and "Waiting for Superman" along with all the over education news items this year are proof that Americans are beginning to understand that our system is in real trouble. What they do to solve the problem is anyone's guess.

Photo Credit: Cara Smith