Don't Underestimate Success in the Arts

The most interesting thing I found about "Three R's are essential" reading was that the author, Elliot Eisner, believed that good test scores do not show the depth of an education. In my opinion, acts such as No Child Left Behind should be focused on more creative endeavors because creativity is one of the major points that expand a society. Eisner said that one of the many advantages that arts creates is a sense of flexibility which could also advance more practical pursuits such as business. Even though the core subjects are pushed in high schools, music and art need to become stronger because of the strong communication they promote. Many times design or art can show something that words cannot. I agree with Eisner's article because I have grown up with a strong art backround and believe that it has helped me take on problems in a different way. In math and science, there is one answer which I found to be satifying but unrealistic. Life is about choices and paths, not perfect, correct answers.

Where College Fails Us

“Where College Fails Us” brings up very interesting arguments about the state of our secondary education in this country. The author, Caroline Bird, presents both the positives and negatives of student’s advancement in education beyond high school. The tone she uses for this essay is not strongly anti-university, but rather critical of most students that believe college is the only way to be successful. One of her best points is that most of the time college does not systematically create hard-working, dedicated people. She also shows the financial burden that college can become on graduates and parents. Another interesting point that Bird presented is that many college graduates do not become what they intended. Since there are limited job openings, many college graduates become laborers and secretaries, jobs that usually don’t require degrees. Some of the points that Bird could have expanded on include the great stratification between the haves and the have-nots: those who can afford college and those who cannot. She also could have described how for some students partying and drinking greatly hinders their motivation in learning. Overall, Bird states a very compelling argument that rejects many of society’s beliefs.