It's All About Education.

       Ya know what this country needs? America needs a new group of educators and journalists who will keep a close eye on every change or effort to change our educational systems in every state in the country. Too what purpose you may ask? You may ask. The reason we need such a group is to bring to the attention of all Americans just how shortsighted many officials including governors, legislators, both state and federal, and private organizations and groups really can be.
       As an example, consider the sequestration and its cuts to programs like Head Start, just to name one. This program provides the opportunity for the children of lower income families to enter public school somewhere near the preparedness level of wealthier children. At this most important stage of the educational growth of a child, it's critical to give every child every advantage possible.
       When the various states cut back funding to school districts, the districts are forced to cut back programs that all too often are proven to help students think independently. And when the school districts were and are forced to cut back, often boards are poorly equipped to make the wisest choices.
       So exactly what would this group of educators and journalists do? Publicize the changes proposed, explain what those changed will do, good or bad, to the public. Mostly, the public has no idea what happens to the educational process their children are involved in. They don't know what's being considered or how it will effect the students.
       But there's one more thing this group should do. It needs to stand ready to propose optional changes that will accomplish the reasonable goals of the board but without harming, or do the least harm, to the student body. The best thing that could happen in a near-perfect world would be to have Green Beret teams for each state group. These Green Berets could be sent to schools in need or in danger, such as failing schools, with the expertise and authority to fix the problems. Better yet, call them SWEET Teams (Strategic Wake-up Educational Energy Team).