Our failing schools. Enough is enough! | Geoffrey Canada

Summary

Geoffrey Canada passionately addresses the failure of the U.S. education system, criticizing outdated business models and the lack of innovation in teaching. He stresses the need for immediate action to prevent millions of children from falling behind, especially those from poorer backgrounds. He advocates for the use of real-time data, science-backed interventions, and innovation in education. Canada also highlights the success of the Harlem Children's Zone in ensuring that 100% of its students graduate and go to college, underscoring the importance of community support and persistence in helping students succeed.

Takeaways

• 😀 Geoff's wife advised him to maintain a calm demeanor for the TED Talk audience, but he acknowledges his frustration with the current state of education.
• 😡 Geoff is angry because the education system has been failing millions of children for decades, yet no substantial change has been made.
• 📉 Schools have been operating with outdated methods for over 50 years, resulting in a persistent cycle of failure, especially for inner-city children.
• 🔬 The education system ignores science and innovation, continuing to follow ineffective models, even when solutions are available.
• 🧠 Research has shown that early childhood development is crucial, yet there are insufficient programs to support children from zero to three years old in many communities.
• 🏫 The summer learning gap disproportionately affects poor children, but schools haven't adapted to address this issue, despite longstanding research.
• 📊 Testing and data collection are inefficient, with results coming too late to be useful in helping students during the school year.
• 🧪 Innovation in education is necessary, and though some experiments may fail, it's essential to try new methods instead of sticking to what doesn’t work.
• 💵 The U.S. has the resources to address educational problems, but prioritizing education hasn't been treated with the urgency it deserves.
• 🎓 At Harlem Children's Zone, 100% of students graduated high school and were accepted to college, showing that with proper support, vulnerable students can succeed.

Q & A

What is the main issue Geoffrey Canada is addressing in his talk?

Geoffrey Canada is addressing the issue of failing education systems in America, particularly how these systems have been ineffective for decades in serving underprivileged children, and the need for innovation to prevent needless student failure.

Why is Canada 'angry' in this talk?

Canada is angry because despite knowing for years how to improve education for underprivileged children, the system continues to operate with outdated and ineffective methods. He expresses frustration that millions of children are needlessly lost every year due to these failures.

What comparison does Canada make between banks and schools?

Canada compares the outdated banking hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) that were inconvenient for working people to the outdated approaches in schools. Just like banks eventually changed to accommodate customers, he argues that schools need to innovate to serve students better.

What historical context does Canada provide about school calendars?

Canada explains that schools used to be open year-round in the 1840s, mainly because families needed a place for their children while they worked. He questions the logic behind the summer break, especially when it causes disadvantaged children to lose academic ground.

What is the issue Canada highlights about the timing of student testing and results?

Canada criticizes how test results often come too late (in the summer) for teachers to address issues in the classroom. He argues that educators need real-time data during the school year to make timely interventions and adjustments to support students.

How does Canada view innovation in education?

Canada believes that innovation is essential in education. He argues that, although not all innovations (like charter schools) will succeed, trying new methods is necessary to improve education, just as technological advancements continue despite failures along the way.

What role does Geoffrey Canada believe health services play in education?

Canada believes that health services are critical for student success, especially for poor children. He provides these services not just because of studies linking health to learning, but because he genuinely cares about the well-being of children and believes they deserve the same opportunities as wealthier kids.

What is the 'grit' issue that Canada discusses?

Canada discusses how children, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds, often need external encouragement and support. He believes that when kids know someone refuses to let them fail, it gives them the extra motivation to persevere, even when they feel like giving up.

What does Geoffrey Canada mean by the 'educational cliff'?

Canada uses the term 'educational cliff' to describe the urgent crisis in education. He warns that the United States cannot afford to wait another 50 years to fix its failing education system, as the current approach is pushing the nation toward an irreversible decline in academic preparedness.

How does Geoffrey Canada's school, Harlem Children's Zone, perform in terms of high school graduation rates?

Canada proudly shares that at the Harlem Children's Zone, 100% of the students graduated from high school and 100% went to college. He emphasizes the importance of providing continuous support and encouragement to keep students on track for success.