Having our say on how we are made.

Sir Ken Robinson says our education system works like a factory. It's based on models of mass production, conformity and standardization that actually prevent kids from finding their passions and succeeding. See his video here .

It seems the current motives for reforming US public education come down to protecting the future of the economy and basic hubris. President Obama appears driven to improve education for the sake of the nation's economy, saying it is directly tied to the education of its citizens. Also, it seems that no nation must be allowed to surpass the US in test scores. Is this really the grand mission that students and teachers should get out of bed in the morning for?

Notice the language of meritocracy in his plans when he goes on to say, “Good teachers will be rewarded with more money for improved student achievement.” Roger Schank responds here: “Really? Is that how professionals are treated these days? Do we measure other professionals by how those they mentor do on standardized tests? Would you, Mr. Obama, like to be measured by how your staff does on standardized tests? Treating teachers like professionals might include letting them actually teach to a student's interests and concerns rather than helping them raise their math scores.”

Furthermore, Mr. Obama has promised that by 2020, America will “once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.” Schank responds in a another blog post: “Why does this matter?…I am sure what Mr. Obama meant to say was that by 2020 our population will be able to reason effectively, work well with others, and communicate well. At least that is something he quoted from me while he was campaigning.”

Instead of solutions that speak of even tougher and more rigorous testing, how about a discussion on the quality of the motives and vision driving all this? As Sir Ken Robinson argues, the current system of education is driven by the ambitions and principles of mass production and international competition. This is the system, Robinson believes, that prevents people from finding their true talents and passions. As he says, automobiles have no interest in how they are made, but young people do!