Minimum Standards

In civil engineering were taught how to design to specific criteria. Any beam must be able to withstand an expected dead load (that is, the weight and force of other non-living, generally structural elements) and an expected live load (the weight and forces on the beam). Now we can say that the beam must be able to withstand these specific loads. There is an equation: W (or the maximum load) equals the Dead Load plus the Live Load.

W=DL+LL

Simple, right?

Ah, but would we really feel comfortable knowing our security is being designed based on this bare minimum criteria? Certainly not. There are “unforeseeable circumstances” we must include in this design. So what we learn as engineers is this:

W = 1.2*Dead Load + 1.6*Live Load

We incorporate these load factors for the “unforeseeable circumstances” so that we know the design is, without a doubt, prepared for the future. We want to know the beams we’re building are ready for more than just the bare minimum.

“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”

-JFK

Why then are we teaching them to achieve the bare minimum standards in their education? This is what the “No Child Left Behind” act does, doesn’t it? It teaches kids that they just need good test-taking skills.

The NCLB act is an act concerning public education passed early on in the Bush administration. NCLB stipulates that each grade level is to meet certain standards in order to receive government funding.

Unfortunately this has had the repercussions of students being “taught to test”. It also stresses failure over success. If you don’t get this score, you fail. Standards should emphasize success and success with flying colors. We don’t want the young students today leaving school with the bare minimum. They deserve the best.