Imagine a universe where parents and educators lead the debate on education. In the current paradigm, we are playing a high-stakes game of educational chess. The result could either propel students into the 21st century or leave them struggling in the educational equivalent of quicksand, all while carefully avoiding the metaphorical banana peels of government red tape.

Let’s face it: designing complex education policies is like trying to bake a soufflé in the middle of a tornado. The more intricate the plan, the more likely it is to fail spectacularly, often with unintended consequences. We’re listening to bureaucrats and out-of-state experts who seem to have all the answers but suffer none of the consequences.  When was the last time parents and teachers truly had a say? It’s time to recalibrate our educational compass.

Yes, we definitely need to reshape the educational landscape, blending optimism with a touch of caution. Local, state, and federal elections are vital, but Tennessee hasn’t been standing still. Over the past 15 years, the state has experienced a major transformation. Sure, we’ve achieved some wins and faced many setbacks, but who talks about the strikeouts? Despite the strikeouts, people on all sides are trying to do the right thing; they are just sometimes swinging and missing.

Education is a vital economic engine. Students need more than just high school diplomas; they require skills that lead to employment. Tennessee acts like a wise old sage, gently reminding students that it’s possible to balance “passion” with “paycheck.”

Many future jobs will require more than a high school diploma, so we need a broader conversation about the future of work. Educators, policymakers, and employers must collaborate to ensure that educational opportunities match the demands of the job market. A cultural shift is also happening, especially with Generation Z. Jonathan Haidt, in The Anxious Generation, warns of “safetyism” leading to increased anxiety and reduced resilience. This generation is redefining what a “safe” career looks like, moving away from traditional paths like college degrees and corporate jobs.

Teachers are the backbone of our education system. However, we can’t ignore the ongoing teacher shortage hanging around like an unwanted guest. We need to invest in the people who shape young minds. We should pay those who student-teach. This investment could lead to classrooms filled with inspired educators who are not just surviving but thriving. If Tennessee can’t attract and retain quality educators, even the grandest plans will collapse. The barriers in education are not degrees, but rather teacher workload and student behavior.  Parents, students, and educators want safe, organized classrooms, not chaos.   

Some groups are throwing around lofty targets for reading and math proficiency that sound like they belong on a motivational poster. There is a time for laying down the gauntlet, but let’s be realistic, achieving 100% reading proficiency for all third graders is a noble goal and will never happen. No matter where the child is educated.  Still, without a solid plan, it risks becoming the educational equivalent of wishing on a shooting star. These ambitions are like the “get fit” New Year’s resolutions we all make, great in theory, but the real test comes as soon as the chocolate cake calls.

While data is crucial, an obsession with numbers can lead to a dangerous tunnel vision. Education shouldn’t just focus on test scores; it must cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and that ever-elusive quality known as “humanity.” A pressing issue is student data privacy, which focuses on maintaining the confidentiality of information that identifies individual students. This data is typically defined by the laws and regulations that govern its collection and disclosure.

The state is currently working on merging state and federal accountability measures. Sometimes, that will be like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Sure, a unified system sounds appealing, but the potential for confusion and bureaucratic red tape could create a maze that leaves everyone wondering what just happened. By the time we reapply for federal education funds, we might find ourselves lost in the complexity, with less flexibility to improve the quality of instruction and increase student outcomes in our state.

The next governor must present a vision that could redefine Tennessee’s educational future. Education is vital for both individuals and society. As a result, responsibility for education is shared. Parents play a role, as does the government. It’s a tightrope walk between lofty ambitions and the gritty realities of execution. Ensuring access to quality education and robust support for teachers is key.

Education is more than passing tests; it’s about preparing the next generation to thrive in an ever-evolving world, preferably without slipping on too many banana peels along the way.