Dr. Jan laments that educators are blamed for the problems in today’s schools. She says the cause is faulty measurement of student progress, and calls for a radical redefining of educational goals:
From the very first year of my educational practice, we (educators) have all been a bunch of losers who just weren't doing it right. ...
My current school has gone from five consecutive years on the state's low performing list to number one in the state in five of six measured educational indicators; however, I am now beginning to believe maybe what we are teaching (and measuring) is not relevant, rigorous, or replicable beyond our small scope. ...
Quite frankly, what IS it that we wish to accomplish? The bottom line is this: students should exit our educational system with excellence in problem solving and communication and an ability to continue their education beyond a formal preparation. This would prepare them for every eventuality. If we train them in regurgitation and finite sets of information, then we prepare them for YESTERDAY.