A Sit Down with the Dept. Of Edumacation

So before we left for Fresno we were invited to sit in a small roundtable meeting at Disney Studios (which were eerily quiet...helloooo economy) with the White House's Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and the U.S. Dept. of Education.

Being a skeptic of government and one that is appalled at our country's education system, this was one I had to sit in on. I figured it would be a few low level Hollywood wannabees hoping to get an invite to visit the White House but the room was packed with heavies. Studio Heads, VP's from the Networks, Production Execs...no names but what the hell was I doing in that room.

Anyways, the meeting was actually pretty productive. The representatives from the White House spoke for only a short while but really wanted to get our thoughts on how Hollywood can help the education system and get involved. The director seemed really into his job and genuinely dedicated to the cause of better education for all children. They were really good about taking in the info we gave them and giving us some facts that could help us shape our ideas on how to improve a dismal and archaic system.

About 25-30 of spoke about our differing positions in the game and on our thoughts. I, of course, was a bit too outspoken and played Devil's Advocate a bit much. A lot of people were in the room fighting for more money for Hollywood to make educational movies but I asked how is the gov't funding a studio's for profit venture a way to make schools better? Anyways, the meeting went really well and I am hopeful to be a part of the committee to advise the White House moving forward (though don't count on it).

Here are some parting facts that might be of interest (but do ask yourself...where is the money coming from?):

1) There will be an additional $90B in Pell Grants given out over the next 10 years.
2) $10B has been earmarked by the White House to improve on education, which $5B of that being discretionary funds.
3) In 5 years there will be a need for 1 million more new teachers in the USA.

I am hopeful change comes or else future generations will be about as literate as a herd of cows.