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Equality of education should apply only to ensuring that each student is provided with the same educational tools, the same teacher in the classroom, and the fundamental right to proceed at the student's pace of learning. Students with special requirements are afforded separate, yet equal access to all of the above. The major concern regarding today's education of children, for example, is the "one size fits all mentality" of educators, prodded by fiat from local, state, and the federal governments as well.

In eschewing the once traditional mode of education, educators this day are tamping down the enthusiasm, and the ferocity, which students once embraced as a path to learning. For those who did not get the education they needed, (when in their future awakening) there was always the opportunity to right the wrongs of the past. Many who occupied the latter position found their learning ability was not damaged, so much as it was simply delayed until the correct moment in time for real learning to begin. Of course, this came with social consequence, but the student was not harmed as such, merely inconvenienced. Now more mature, the student readily acknowledges mistakes made, and progress delayed. Fortunately, the mysticism of learning is still the attraction, and in many cases, the student benefits immensely.

Is it any wonder that test scores as a mandated requirement, are slipping it seems, almost every year? The educational establishment has no one to blame, but itself. There is little so mysterious, regarding the student exhorted on to greater achievement. Within each resides the yearning to know, to comprehend that which is put before them. Yes, the "horrible" specter of competition drives a student above and beyond his ken. When done, and appropriately complimented for a supreme effort, the student is ready for even more of the same. Students compare notes,(grades) and keep track of their personal development. When encouraged by the teacher to try harder still, the student responds in kind, and with great determination. Thus are the educational foundations laid in stone. When admonished, or criticized, the student must be taught that his failure is of his own making, and he can, and must do better.

Years may pass by, still the understanding of the need for a solid educational core, is foremost in the mind of the student motivated to recognize this responsibility to himself, and to others. Therefore, one can see the fallacy of so called equality in education as defined by the establishment. As much as learning is an individual exercise of one's mind, so too is teaching, an individual application of correct methods for each, not all, students.

Equality of education proponents seemingly never consider the harmful effects of presuming equal outcomes for all. Such disdain for the well principled schools of prior thought, threatens the foundational knowledge requisite associated with good, and productive citizens. May there never come the time when America itself is lost, as it's peoples embrace less, and less of what it means to be an American. Americanism is what has distinguished us as a country, as a people. To be an American has always been associated with being exceptional; with being among the best and brightest of all on planet earth. Americanism is synonymous with individualism, and still, there is time to correct a flawed approach to education. That time is now!

Learn more about this author, Stephen Atkinson.
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