4A - Friday, October 26, 2012
The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com
4A - Friday, October 26, 2012 The Michigan Daily - michigandailycom
tb iian Batly
Edited and managed by students at
the University of Michigan since 1890.
420 Maynard St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
tothedaily@michigandaily.com
TIMOTHY RABB
JOSEPH LICHTERMAN and ADRIENNE ROBERTS ANDREW WEINER
EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORS MANAGING EDITOR
Unsigned editorials reflect the official position of the Daily's editorial board.
All other signed articles and illustrations represent solely the views of their authors.
ComRMmunity service
Local post-secondary education deserves funding
M ichigan voters will encounter a series of bond propos-
als aiming to improve the state's community colleges on
the Nov. 6 ballot. Among the grandest is the $56-mil-
lion initiative of Macomb County Community College to enhance
its science and technology offerings, upgrade its arts program and
refurbish and expand campus buildings. The bond will be paid for
through a millage, a property tax equal.to about 20 cents for every
$1,000 of a property's taxable value. For such a small price, the needs
of communities may be fulfilled with better education opportuni-
ties and higher employment rates as a result. We should support the
proposed ballot measures to levy millages for community colleges.
Planes, brains and automobiles
ur brains evolved to survive,
not to thrive. At least they
didn't evolve to thrive in col-
legeandifyouget
stuck in a dinner
party discussion H
with an anthro-
pologist you'll M
likely hear why.
For 99 percent of
our hominid past,
we've been living
in the savannah MICHAEL
and not writing SMALLEGAN
anything down.
These days, mid-
semester we have to produce polished
prose pieces about once a week, and
our evolutionary past is disrupting
our workflow.
For the sake of argument, try
to push aside your first thought
upon hearing this anthropologi-
cal factoid, which I know is some-
thing along the lines of: "Wow,
so if I went to college in 4,000
BCE, before written language was
invented, I wouldn't have had to
write any papers!" (At least, that
was my first reaction.)
Then consider the following
sketch which characterizes differ-
ences in our environment to that
of our ancestors. What follows is
pseudoscientific, highly caricatured
and may never be substantiated by
future research, but adopting this
way of thinking can have a real
effect on how you live your life.
In evolution it's survival that
matters, and the greatest threat to
survival for much of our history
has been other large predators -
the kind that may not have oppos-
able thumbs or tool use, but are
armed with super-sharp teeth that
more than make up for those minor
inconveniences. Obviously, reacting
quickly to those threats is highly
beneficial and requires some super-
efficient neural machinery. This
fight-or-flight response is essen-
tially an activation of the limbic
system that takes over for the more
recently evolved executive atten-
tion networks in the frontal cortex.
This feature was great in the plains
of our past but is less helpful today.
The central problem is that the
fear response, which shuts down
our higher cognitive processes, still
responds to stimuli all the time, but
at times that response can be mal-
adaptive. A recent World Health
organization study of noise pollu-
tion in Europe found that one mil-
lion years of healthy life is lost to
high levels of noise. Much of the
ischemic heart disease and cal-
culated loss of life results from
this fight-or-flight system firing in
response to loud sounds. But it also
activates in response to social cues.
Neuro-imaging has shown us
that words that sound threaten-
ing such as "contaminate," "perse-
cute," and "whisper" activate the
amygdala - the root of aggression
and a generating source of fight-
or-flight behavior. It's important to
note also that this isn't necessarily
a conscious process. You could have
higher levels of stress hormones,
decreased executive control and
generally be in a fear response state
and not even be aware that you're
agitated.
If even simple words that we
associate with danger can evoke
this response, then, surely, getting
a poor grade or being reprimanded
for poor performance can do some-
thing similar. The way our aca-
demic system and our society are
structured makes our reputation
a virtual extension of ourselves,
meaning that an injury to our repu-
tation is perceived as a direct insult
to the self. Putting ourselves out
there for the world to see makes us
vulnerable, and when we're vulner-
able, we're scared.
The next time you find your
hands shaking before a class pre-
sentation, or find yourself lost in
the Twitter-verse for hours with-
out being able to tackle that essay,
consider what may be happening
in your brain. "Not wanting" to do
something could just be a retro-
spective analysis assigned by your
fore-brain when it is literally not
able to act - it's held captive by
your fearful amygdala.
- Michael can be reached
at smallmic@umich.edu.
Offering residents quality educational
opportunities is one of the principle public
goods all local governments should provide.
Community colleges respond to these needs in
a waythat no other post-secondary educational
institution can, allowing education at schools
with open admissions, low tuition rates and
eclectic course offerings. These underrated
institutions are serving the need for rapid voca-
tional training and equipping people with the
skills necessary to enter an increasingly tumul-
tuous job market.
While proposing the issuance of bonds or
the imposition of new millage rates is rela-
tively simple in legislative terms, the propos-
al wording is somewhat vague, saying only
that the school will equip, reequip and refur-
bish buildings, sites and infrastructure. But
this vague nature can most likely be attrib-
uted to restraints and requirements of legal
language. To propose the millage, one need
only specify the amount to be borrowed, the
millage rate to be levied and a date for it to be
paid off, and also give voters a general notion
of its purpose. To their credit, community
colleges seeking funds have tried to inform
voters where exactly the funds go.
Though as University students we have
opportunity and privilege to attend a four-
year university program, we must recognize
that this option is not possible for everyone.
This proposal services low-income areas and
also allows graduates to pursue new interests
with less financial risk. Macomb County Com-
munity College alone fulfills the needs of more
than 59,000 students annually, providing a
comprehensive post-secondary education to
non-traditional students.
Improving schools through education and
renovation also tends to increase the property
value of the surrounding area, which would
increase the rate at which the school could
honor its financial commitment. This ulti-
mately strengthens the economy's social and
economic environments.
Given the ever-growing demand for educat-
ed workers and the increased cost of a four-year
university education, community colleges will
play an important role in the future of higher
education. A number of them are on the ballot
this year, preparing for that future. And their
success will benefit all involved.
Don't knock Housing
TO THE DAILY:
I was disappointed to see the
accusations levied against Univer-
sity housing by columnist James
Brennan ("Dorm Room Drama"
10/22/12). While I absolutely agree
that the residence halls are a great
place to build community at the
University, Brennan paints too sim-
plistic an argument when it comes
to the cost of room and board. Bren-
nan argues that the University rips
off freshmen and "overcharges"
students who pay room and board
in the system.
Brennan enjoys living in the reno-
vated Mosher-JordanResidence Hall.
That renovation is partly paid for by a
portion of room and board rates. The
individuals who cook the meals at the
Hill Dining Center and the staff that
ensures the building is clean and safe
are all paid for by - you guessed it -
room and board rates.
As a former Hall Director in the
system, I know University housing
has a policy of paying its employees
living wages and offering benefits
like insurance plans. While I sympa-
thize with Brennan's financial situa-
tion, I wish he'd take the time to look
deeper into the numbers. Yes, $1L43
for a meal mayseem like alot,but that
supports locally sourced food, cooks
who earn more than minimum wage
and housing staff who help build the
strong sense of community in our resi-
dence halls.
The University and its many
departments must find ways to
minimize cost increases and work
to make this place as affordable as
possible for students. But before we
go around demonizing offices and
accusing them of not having the
students's best interest at heart, we
should pause and take a moment to
go beyond simple and easy explana-
tions, Anything less is a disservice
to the education we all receive at
this fine institution.
Perry Zielak
Public Policy graduate student
EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS
Kaan Avdan, Sharik Bashir, Eli Cahan, Nirbhay Jain, Jesse Klein, Melanie Kruvelis,
Patrick Maillet, Harsha Nahata, Timothy Rabb, Adrienne Roberts, Vanessa Rychlinski,
Paul Sherman, Sarah Skaluba, Michael Spaeth, Gus Turher
i
* * * ISSUES 2012 * * *
Education
9
Romney lea
Sorry Mr. President, touring college cam-
puses in battleground states does not equate
to fixing America's failing education system.
President Barack Obama has broken promises to
replace No Child Left Behind and tackle the ris-
ing cost of college education. Instead, following
the theme of his 2008 campaign, he prefers to
just throw -money at the problem and "hope" it
will go away.
Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney
is a proven leader in education, with Massachu-
setts's education system ranking number one in
the nation during his time as governor. As presi-
dent, Romney would improve K-12 education by
supporting teachers - not teachers unions - and
reforming No Child Left Behind. He'd also alle-
viate college debt by controlling the skyrocket-
ing costs of college tuition and creating jobs for
young people once they graduate.
Finland, one of the world's highest-ranked
countries in education, succeeds because of its
investment in teachers, not teachers unions.
While American teachers unions - supported
by the Democratic Party - argue that higher
salaries lead to improved education, this isn't the
case. In 2008, the average salary for a teacher in
Finland was the equivalent of $29,000, while in
the United States it was $36,000.
Charter schools - free of union control - con-
sistently rank higher than public schools because
they invest in teacher improvement, not outra-
geous pension plans. In addition, charter schools
can fire and hire teachers as they please, while
most public schools are bound by strict ten-
ure rules that make firing bad teachers nearly
impossible. For these reasons, Romney supports
allowing charter schools to thrive, especially in
inner-city areas, and giving parents the choice
of where to enroll their children. Romney wants
states to focus on investing in teachers, not teach-
ers unions, and part of this strategy includes
reforming No Child Left Behind.
Within public schools, Romney wants to
reform No Child Left Behind by giving teachers
the freedom to teach their subject, not teach to
an exam. Part of the reason Finland succeeds
Is on reform Dems r(
is because students don't take exams until they Educational achievemer
reach middle school. behind our economy. Eac
Teachers in Finland are instead encouraged to who participates in an ea
focus on teaching creative problem-solving strat- makes it through high sch
egies. The Finnish teachers also have very few degree. Each time we hi
curriculum requirements. This gives teachers or her full potential, we I
the freedom to teach subjects in innovative and ward as well. The issue of
compelling ways and has proven to be successful. discussed enough during
In 2009, the United States ranked 15th in reading, looking at each candidat
19th in math and 27th in science, while Finland clear who will build a sti
was near the top in all three. In the world of edu- tem for America's future.
cation, less regulation can mean more success, During his time in of
and Romney sup-
ports giving teach-
ers more autonomy
in the classroom. This is part two in a five-part
Obama likes to
campaign on col- "
lege campuses, series by the College Democrat
but has done noth- .R
ing to improve and College Republcans.
the situation for
young Americans.
Under this Obama
administration, student loan debt in America has implementing performai
topped $1 trillion, half of college graduates can- for teachers, expanding cl
not find jobs and tuition costs are growing at an ing test scores in low-per
exorbitant rate, Instead of trying to reform these to the Top encouraged sta
issues, Obama has simply poured money into ed improvements to the
the problem, leading to universities fighting for and raised standards acro
federal dollars instead of trying to control costs. Obama also pressed Co
Romney's primary focus regarding higher edu- would address many of t
cation reform is to reduce the cost of a college Left Behind, the infamo
education and create jobs for students when they that stunted school achie
graduate, and improve access to college for low- remained deadlocked in C
income families by making the Pell Grant pro- gave states waivers as am
gram sustainable in the long term. ened how the law evaluati
Romney is a proven leader in education and Standardized testing was
has a plan to put America back on track, back to in evaluations, and the fun
leading the world in education. Obama allowed allocate funding based oi
education to take a backseat during his adminis- ment rather than restricti
tration and failed to deliver on his promise to put tricts that didn't meet the
fundamental reforms in place. When Congress failed
Act, Obama used his ex
This was written on behalf of the University's the deportation of undo
chapter of College Republicans by Kyle Smith. who were brought here
emain advocates of learning
ant is the driving force
h student we empower,
rly child program, who
ool or receives a college
elp a student reach his
help America move for-
education has not been
this election, but after
e's policies it becomes
ronger educational sys-
ffice, President Barack
Obama made great
strides to improve
education at all lev-
els. In his first year,
he created a pro-
gram called Race to
s the Top, a contest
where states com-
peted for morethan
$4 billion in federal
funds by improving
their curriculums,
nce-based assessments
rarter schools and rais-
forming districts. Race
tes to make much-need-
ir educational systems
ss the country.
ngress to pass a bill that
he failures of No Child
usly impractical policy
vement. When the bill
Congress, the President
workaround that broad-
es student performance.
no longer the sole factor
idingsystem changed to
n real student improve-
ing funds to punish dis-
law's standards.
I to pass the DREAM
ecutive power to stop
icumented immigrants
as children and were
now attending high school or college. This policy
would have changed the lives of thousands who
deserve the same right to an education as every-
one else.
When banks became less willing to lend after
the 2008 financial crisis, the president elimi-
nated federal student loan subsidies to banks and
passed legislation that put the government in
charge of issuing all federal student loans. This
switch saved the government billions by elimi-
nating the middleman and giving the president
enough money to expand Pell Grants.
Romney opposes this policy and has said he
would return the power to distribute federal
student loans to banks. He doesn't support the
expansion of Pell Grants, saying in his education
policy blueprint that the program is a result of the
"entitlement mentality" of this country. Romney
has made it clear that you should only go to col-
lege if you possess the financial means to do so,
showing a lack of understanding for the issues
college students face today. Moreover, in affirm-
ing his support of No Child Left Behind, Romney
is setting out to widen the opportunity gap at all
levels of education for disadvantaged students.
Obama has remained a consistent advocate for
American students. His record shows a dedica-
tion to raising teaching standards and ensuring
schools are pursing policies to help students in
the future. He shows a dedication to students and
supports our dreams of achieving academic suc-
cess and post-graduate employment. The presi-
dent has made plans to create a teacher corps
focused on improving education in science and
math during his next term and has promised to
pursue policies to increase college affordability.
Obama's dedication to improving the quality of
America's schools is unwavering. The next four years
will see a continuation of his already stellar record
of building effective schools and expanding oppor-
tunities for students to achieve their academic goals.
Obamahas the proven record and vision necessary to
move our nation's educational system forward.
This was written on behalf of the University's
chapter of College Democrats by Adam Watkins.
*I