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According to our President, America’s issue of fast degenerating higher education system cannot be addressed only by pumping in money. He spoke for at least thirty minutes at the White House Green Room to Matt Lauer of TODAY. He went on to say that what is required today is to use additional funding to further reforms such as increasing school hours and making teaching a preferred profession.

He pointed out to the fact that results have gone down over the past few decades in spite of a significant increase in per pupil spending. He said that the most up-to-date text books are not easily accessible to students studying in schools in the poor areas. He said that money definitely plays a major role in such schools.

The reform agenda proposed by our President includes encouraging best teachers to take up teaching as a profession, enhancing standards of education, effective deployment of financial resources and decrease in the bureaucracy. A chance to improve must be given to teachers who are not up to expectations.

Stressing strongly on the necessity of longer school year, President Obama pointed out that students in other advanced countries attended at least one month of schooling extra every year. He said that the month missed out here could make a huge difference. The money spent on this is money well spent, he said.

At the Roll Hill Elementary School, many students think that extended school year will tire out their brains and that they needed enough time to rest. Some others think that long hours are good for them as they will keep out of trouble and will be kept busy.

According to our President, the Race to the Top initiative is one of the most effective and powerful programs that has the potential to bring about reforms. States are placed in a highly competitive environment as they compete with each other to initiate reforms and win the $4 billion funds.

Teachers unions must be worked upon, he said in a tone that suggested that he strongly defended the members of the unions. He stressed on the hope that these unions will not defend the alarming situation where at least one thirds of students are dropping out. He said that change is necessary to revamp the system and the union must not resist positive transitions, especially today when schools are unable to bring down the dropout rates.

He opined that most of the teachers are educated and talented enough to offer high quality education to students. The trick is in identifying the right teachers. Those who are unable to perform must be given a chance through training and support, he said. In spite of this, if they are unable to perform to our expectations, there is no option but to go.

When expressed in this manner, it seems there is a lot of hope for the future of our education. Devising strategies is fine but how far will they be implemented to make a positive impact and bring about a welcome change in the scenario?