The Huffington Post – Jackie Jenkins-Scott
“This year, Singapore celebrates its 50th anniversary as an independent country. This is an occasion to reflect on its remarkable progress over the last half century from a poor, underdeveloped, resource-scarce country to an economic dynamo whose per capita income is the world’s third highest. Singapore today is well known not just as a place to do business but for its headline-grabbing education system whose students routinely dominate global tests. Despite the strong test performance at higher grades, the country’s leadership understands that to be competitive in today’s global economy, its citizens need 21st century skills like creative problem solving, critical thinking, communication ability and being able to work in diverse teams…These skills need to be developed early and a strong foundation in the early years is the way to start…Just as Singapore used its low ranking [on early childhood education] as a national call to action, the United States needs more national action and collaboration for a country wide wake-up call to strengthen the sector…The dynamic economies of the 21st Century, such as Singapore, will be those with the best-trained citizens and we would do well to heed this call and prepare our all children for success.”(more)