Sentinel Watch March 28, 2011 Issue

Education reform in tough economic times

Evan Mehlenbacher

There is heightened awareness today of the need for education reform in the United States and around the world, largely thanks to the efforts of concerned citizens who yearn to see youngsters better prepared for adulthood. Some of the issues pressing for attention include crowded schools (and no schools in many parts of the world), dilapidated facilities, demoralized teachers, students with short attention spans, and—especially—shrinking budgets. High-profile individuals such as Bill Gates have invested millions in private money experimenting with new models for education in the United States. Mark Zuckerberg, of Facebook fame, donated 100 million dollars to the Newark, New Jersey, school system last September. Countless parents, educators, neighbors, and officials are working for a better system.

Those who are not intimately involved in educational decision-making may rightly ask, “What can I do to help?” And there is a spiritual answer: We can all contribute to the advancement of education reform with prayers of understanding that God has workable solutions and is revealing answers to people who need to know how to move forward.

Our collective prayers help educators, policymakers, and parents hear God’s ideas, instruction, and counsel that will lead to effective education reform and enable young people to realize their potential. The one Mind perfectly comprehends and understands the infinite spiritual potential of each child. We can all be guided by the Psalmist’s desire: “Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day” (Ps. 25:4, 5).