The media is once again filled with the gloomy news of our failing Australian education system. The natural conclusion people reach is that teachers and schools are failing our kids. However, I would assert that teachers today have a far better understanding of teaching and learning and are working harder than ever before. So what is going on?<\/p>\n
My proposition is that we are seeing a gradual decline of our western society, a \u2018degeneration\u2019, as Niall Ferguson <\/a>author of the best seller of the same name, asserts; a degeneration of the foundational institutions that make, or made our society great.<\/p>\n I believe that our nation is lacking a clear vision. We have allowed the premise that, ‘our quality of living will see continual improvement if we strive for ongoing economic growth’ to be our key political priority for far too long. This is the philosophy that is failing us now.<\/p>\n If I were interested in a political career, this would be my political platform.<\/p>\n Set a clear vision for our nation: \u201cto be\u00a0a\u00a0nation of innovators<\/strong><\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n All successful organisations, and countries for that matter, have a clear vision. Singapore set a clear vision two decades ago\u2014just look at that nation now. Australia should capitalise on its strengths. We are more creative than most. We have the capacity to be the world\u2019s leading innovators.<\/p>\n Underpin the vision with three clear values: family, equality<\/strong><\/em>, and education<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n Each of these three values are interlinked. Strong families mean better relationships,\u00a0with in turn produces a\u00a0better value system and a\u00a0more equal society,\u00a0which in turn leads to\u00a0better educational results. All three working together produce more satisfying and fulfilling lives.<\/p>\n Our nation has become more and more unequal. From the CEOs who earn millions in bonuses, to the inequity in salaries between the sexes, all of which\u00a0are just plain wrong.<\/p>\n