Source: http://www.ncee.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Executive-Summary.pdf
Evaluation: This website has been very critical in explaining the implications of the compulsory education in the United States of America. It effectively brings out the current and the possible future challenges that US is bound to face if it does not address the issue of compulsory education expeditiously. Comparison between US and other countries that have already made education mandatory is explored and the results indicate that US is losing in the marketability of its labor force. Some serious measures need to be done. Therefore, there are reforms proposed for the education system in the United States in order to salvage the already crumbling system.
Passage #1: The first Commission never dreamed that we would end up competing with countries that could offer large numbers of highly educated workers willing to work for low wages. But China and India are doing exactly that (pg. 4). Critical commentary: This provides insights on the role that compulsory education plays in as far as creation of a large pool of skilled population is concerned. The author explains how the analytical, technical and communication skills acquired are imperative in the current industrialized world. The author casts fears that America is bound to lag behind in terms of competitiveness of their labor forces in the world market because their education system has not been properly streamlined to allow more people to access it. India and China are examples of the countries that have fully implemented compulsory education and there labor force is very competitive.
Passage #2: This is a world in which a very high level of preparation in reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, science, literature, history and the arts will be an indispensable foundation for everything that comes after for most members of the workforce (pg. 7). Critical commentary: Through it, one is able to understand that compulsory education is essential for every US citizen if he is to survive in the current industrialized world. With the automation taking place globally, the routine works that were being done by humans are gradually shifting to machines. In addition, comparative cost of using a machine in the production process is significantly lower than human labor. As such, the world needs educated fellows who can design the machines. This can only be true for an individual who has gone through right system of education.
Passage #3: High-quality early childhood education is one of the best investments a nation can make in its young people (pg. 17) Critical commentary: Through this passage, it is evidently clear that for the effectiveness of our education system, then its foundation must be addressed. The major reform that the first commission intends to do is to increase the funding of the early childhood education so that children can have proper guidelines right from the onset.
In summary, the authors of this article termed as “Tough Choices in tough times” have endeavored in explaining some of these aspects of compulsory education. Generally, their piece of work has been effective.
