19th century Quote by Donna Shalala
“We need to drive down requirements for the schools. In the 19th century, we increased the quality of the schools by higher education saying, 'You can't come in unless you have these skills, unless you've taken these courses.' We did that in Wisconsin when I was there, it helped to transform the secondary school system.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Education Reform Address, Wisconsin, 1990s
Advocates reducing school entry barriers by focusing on essential skills rather than excessive credential requirements.
In simple terms: Simplify school entry to core skills.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize essential competencies over excessive qualifications.
Themes
education
policy
equity
skill development
Mood
analytical
optimistic
Type
policy
educational
When to use this quote
- school reform
- teacher training
- student admissions
- curriculum design
Key Concepts
human capital
accessibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What core skills should schools prioritize?
- How can we balance standards with inclusivity?
A Different Perspective
Over‑simplification may ignore nuanced learning needs.
![“. . . Luddites were those frenzied traditionalists of the early 19th century who toured [England] wrecking new weaving machines on the theory that if they were destroyed . . . old jobs and old ways of life could be preserved . . . At certain times in his life each man is tempted to become a…” quote by James A. Michener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/182/james-a-michener-1627_19th-century_luddites-were-those-frenzied-traditional_76909.jpg)
