Iowa Core paves way for student success

For several years, the U.S. military has grappled with a problem that could have a significant impact on our long-term national security: more than 70 percent of young adults between the ages of 17 and 24 cannot qualify for military service.

Some are barred because they are too overweight; others because they have a criminal record, but nearly one in five young Iowans cannot join because they cannot pass the military's entrance exam, which tests mathematics ability, literacy and critical thinking skills.

If that surprises you, you should be interested in the continued implementation of the Iowa Core education standards and the 'deeper learning” they are inspiring in our K-12 schools. The standards define the mathematics and English language arts knowledge students must develop at every age of schooling so they are prepared for postsecondary education and 21st century careers. Created by teachers and subject matter experts, the standards also foster multidisciplinary lessons that mirror real-world learning experiences.

As a retired general and longtime Iowa resident, I recognize these competencies are important for our armed services and our economy as well. Today's military is a complex, high-tech enterprise. We need people with strong reading and mathematics skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. These are the same qualities that are sought by private sector employers - which means we are essentially competing to attract the best and brightest high school graduates.

All of this is happening at a troubling time for our students.

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, just over one-third of Iowa's 8th graders are proficient in math, reading and science. Without significant improvement, many will undoubtedly find it difficult to earn high school diplomas and the postsecondary credentials they need for good jobs.

The employment perspective is particularly important given the evolution of Iowa's economy. As the owner of a 1,500 acre farm, I know that through much of the 20th century, young people who weren't prepared for college or white-collar jobs found work in agriculture or assembly lines. Today, however, many Iowa employers say they cannot find workers with the right skills to fill the good jobs they have available. Across the nation, 60 percent of jobs require further postsecondary education. Even jobs considered 'manual labor” such as those for welders and car mechanics involve the use of advanced technology and advanced training.

Preparing young people for well-paying careers should also improve public safety, because there is no disputing that less educated individuals are more likely to become involved in crime. Research spotlighted in a recent Fight Crime: Invest in Kids report shows long-term changes in wages and employment opportunities among non-college educated men may explain as much as half of property and violent crime rates.

With all of this in mind, I commend Iowa's educators for keeping implementation of the Iowa Core on track, and accurately measuring student performance in meeting those standards. Doing so will lead more students toward a future of opportunities in the workforce, and the opportunity to serve our nation for those who choose that path.

' Robert L. Sentman, of Tiffin, is a retired U.S. Army Major General who serves on the Executive Advisory Council of the national security non-profit Mission: Readiness. Comments: generalsentman@missionreadiness.org