“We report to the American people that while we can take justifiable pride in what are schools and colleges have historically accomplished and contributed to the United States and the well-being of its people, the educational foundations of our society are presently being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity that threatens our very future as a nation and as a people. What was unimaginable a generation ago has begun to occur-others are matching and surpassing our educational attainments. If an unfriendly foreign power had attempted to impose on America the mediocre educational performance that exists today, we might well have viewed it as an act of war. As it stands, we allowed this to happen to ourselves.” If many of you are unaware of this statement this is how the landmark education study began it’s alarming findings of “A Nation At Risk” report which was released to the public in April 26, 1983. Before I get into the data and the findings, it is incumbent upon me to explain how I got here, and how I believe our generation can transform schools into 21st century high performing learning institutions. I was three years old when this report was released, which makes me Generation X. I can vividly remember the teachers and our parents’ saying things like “These kids, they just want to rise to the top so fast!” Or, “My god, they ask so many questions!” My class in 4th grade was dubbed the class from hell! I knew at an early age that we were different, and that we were impatient. Back then and now I would consider those complaints about us as 21st century attributes. Yes, I am impatient and frustrated by the lack of change in education policy and school’s writ large. I am data driven and research driven. I have been teaching for 20 years and I’m driven to help to all students succeed. I have consumed, implemented and studied everything from Marzano to Hattie and Fisher and fry. I have nothing against these individuals but I knew something was missing from all of this. I am signaling out generation x to transform k-12 education into 21st century schools for a few reasons. First we are a different people. We want change now. We question everything. Additionally, we have a unique perspective on a time when cell phones didn’t exist or any of the online technology. Not that we want to go back to that period. We understand that college and career in the 21st century require a unique set of skills to succeed. We see that clear as day. I naively thought years ago that “change” would come from the top. When I say the top I’m referring to elected officials. Yes, maybe there has been some change but it has been so minimal. I not relying on “them” to ignite this change. I am also not interested in fighting those forces who resist change. I am talking about implementing what is needed at our schools. “Thank god for Bobby.” Those words were famously uttered by John F. Kennedy after the Cuban Missile Crisis was resolved. John Kennedy was crediting his younger brother Bobby for diffusing and nullifying a nuclear holocaust. The president couldn’t rely on other government officials, he had to defer to his brother, The Attorney General who had the determination, and steely resolve to see it through so the United States wouldn’t succumb to a nuclear exchange. I am calling upon K-12 educators of my generation to change what needs to be changed for all students currently and in the future. You all have that skill set that “X” factor to do it. The time is now, we will stumble, we may fall, but I know we will not give up. Just as The Attorney General of 1962 saved The United States. I believe K-12 educators can do the same. It’s a matter of science. John F. Kennedy thanked his brother Bobby. I thank all k-12 educators. Thank God for Bobby,
