Greatest Generation...for the time being

Where is the greatest generation currently growing up? Likely you've seen, read or at least heard of the "Greatest Generation" by Tom Brokaw. If not, the premise centers on the notion that the American generation that lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and the 50's/60's economic boom was history's greatest. There are critics of the idea that this was truly the greatest generation any society has ever produced, but I'm forgoing that debate to ask what society is currently building the greatest generation in present day?


I've recently come across data regarding a international assessment of 15 year old students in the areas of reading, math and science from the Organization for Economic Co-operations and Development (OECD). The results are summarily readable in the above Time/CNN graphic. Many were surprised by these results from 2010, and gave many, including US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, a chill. The question popped into many american minds - what can we do to improve our next generation?

The discussion started out with the legacy 1980's through 2000's question of impulse "what can we do to achieve best test results?". However, that approach hasn't found a comprehensive strategy, and at least this is one observer who is happy to see that the intellectual leaders and even policy makers have moved the discussion to more of a "what kind of parenting and societal changes can be made to once again instill desire to do the right thing and by extension, the best thing?"

I'm encouraged, as I feel this type of question's answers are exactly the keys to putting a country on a path to creating great generations. I'm further encouraged by a few promising parallels in pop culture discourse - topics that hint at helping to answer this question. Take the recent debate about "Tiger Moms". Another is related to the taxation scheme overhaul and the need for actual governmental responsibility, courtesy the tea party crew.

I'm hopeful that we continue to discuss topics that move current leaders from easy chair to podium, and parents away from helicopter toward tiger. It's not about moving the dots on the graph above to the top right, it's about steering society back toward giving their best, being responsible, and doing what's right. The dot will take care of itself, and even if America never reaches the highest right corner, the society will again be so productive and cohesive such that non-testable skills can easily make up any intellectual gap.