1. What problem does economist Thomas Sowell describe in his commentary?

2. What is your initial reaction to Dr. Sowell's commentary? Ask a parent the same question.

3. For each of the points made by Dr. Sowell, state whether you agree or disagree. Explain your answers.

__________________ while our children are frittering away time on trivia, other children in other countries are acquiring the skills in math, science, or other fields that will allow them to take the jobs our children will need when they grow up (para. 7)

__________________ With American students consistently scoring near or at the bottom in international tests, I am repeatedly appalled by teachers who waste their students' time by assigning them to write to strangers, chosen only because those strangers' names have appeared in the media. (para. 10)

__________________ It is of course much easier-- and more "exciting," to use a word too many educators use-- to do cute little stuff like this than to take on the sober responsibility to develop in students both the knowledge and the ability to think that will enable them to form their own views on matters in both public and private life. (para. 11)

__________________ What earthly good would it do your son to know what economic policies I think should be followed, especially since what I think should be done will not have the slightest effect on what the government will in fact do? And why should a fifth-grader be expected to deal with questions that people with Ph.D.'s in economics have trouble wrestling with? (para. 11)

__________________ Getting students used to looking to so-called "famous" people for answers is the antithesis of education as a preparation for making up their own minds as citizens of a democracy, rather than as followers of "leaders." (para. 12)