Knowledge or wisdom

The major problem in our schools is the frustrated student. Concern lies within the hearts of mankind. We must ask ourselves: What does it mean to be educated? Who determines our school curriculum? We teach knowledge—but not wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to use your knowledge to make better plans and decisions for the future.

Every student is different, having diverse talents and natural abilities. After learning the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic, the student can be directed toward their best penchant, inclination or aptitude. Many students are bored, worried, distressed, and feel like failures.

All students can’t be computer programmers or rocket scientists. Find their interests—and then set their course upon their preferred and alternate educational goal. Then they will excel and there will be fewer disruptive classes with fewer dropouts. Better-adjusted students mean fewer mass shootings and fewer student suicides. The students will feel better about themselves, have better grades, more self-confidence, be much happier, and have a more meaningful life.

Learning a trade might be of more value than attending college, driver’s education of more value than algebra, a course in nutrition of more value than Shakespeare, a human relations course of more value than French, and balancing your checkbook (along with thrifty living) of more value than playing sports. TOM KNIGHT Little Rock