Recently, I attended my 50th high school reunion in Bethel, Maine. I had not attended any reunions during the past 20 years, so it was a delight to see many of my friends. Going this year made me wish I had attended more often.
I was lucky to go to an excellent school that prepared me well for college and the future. Many of today’s students aren’t so lucky, though. They attend inferior schools (although teachers strive to do their best). Many students lack discipline and have very little support from their parents. That’s not true all across America, of course, but it’s true in too many schools and too many homes.
In the U.S., high school graduation rates are unacceptably low. Only 70% of students graduate from high school. Graduation rates for African-American, Hispanic and low-income students are even lower, at 50%. And only half of our graduates are well prepared to succeed in college, career and life. I didn’t make up these stats; the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has a substantial amount of information about our education system on its Web site.
Why am I fuming about our education system? Because there are many, many ways that we can get involved and turn this situation around.
First, we can all use more education, no matter what our age or status in life. For those of us elders, we need to stimulate the old cranium with new ideas, whether from educational TV programs, seminars, books or courses at our local college.
For those in the working world, I don’t need to remind you: more schooling means more money. When this economy begins to gather steam, those who have sharpened their skills during the last couple of years will be in the best position to grab the best job opportunities.
As parents, we all need to instill confidence in our sons and daughters (or grandchildren) and inspire them to study hard and to stay in school. The future success of our great nation will depend on better-educated Americans in the generations ahead.
Most important of all–I suggest that we all have a responsibility to help educate our fellow citizens. We all have special skills and unique knowledge that could benefit those around us. No, I’m not saying we should become teachers. But I think we can volunteer our time to help in the education process. Schools at all levels are always in need of volunteers to mentor or tutor students. Music teachers, sports coaches and physical education teachers and art instructors need assistants to help with their ambitious programs.
Finally, senior citizen centers and centers for the less fortunate need volunteers to help with all facets of their programs. In these difficult economic times, you can not only help others, but contributing your time is an excellent alternative to writing checks for donations.
Bill Gates was asked what he admired most about Warren Buffett, the most successful investor of our time and a student, employee and disciple of Benjamin Graham. Mr. Gates answer was simple: Warren Buffett is a unique educator who is always willing to share his investing knowledge with anyone. Mr. Buffett’s ability to simplify his investment philosophy and deliver clear answers has educated millions of investors around the world.
You can be a great teacher–you can help the education process in your own way.
Tomorrow: My two favorite education stocks …