Call to Reform Schools to Teach Innovation

Governor Ted Strickland of Ohio called for radical transformation of the school system in his State of the State address last week. "It is absolutely clear to me that simply tinkering with centuries-old education practices will not prepare Ohio's children for success in college, in the workplace or in life,"

He also said he wants state education standards to be reworked to reflect modern skills such as innovation, creativity, problem-solving and media literacy. “And you know, good ideas shouldn't be something we stumble on accidentally.” That's why his plan creates a Center for Creativity and Innovation within the Ohio Department of Education. The Center will monitor research and results from across the country and across the world to keep Ohio schools and Ohio educators informed of new advances.

Among other things, his plan calls for mandatory kindergarten, lengthening the school year by 20 days and a four-year residency program for teachers.

I just finished reading chapter two of Dr. Ken Robinson’s book, The Element, in which he presents a compelling argument that the one thing our schools do best is stifle creativity and innovation. You can hear a very entertaining twenty-minute speech on his ideas at TED.

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