Since former President George W. Bush amped up standardized testing throughout the nation in 2002 with the No Child Left Behind Act, critics say results have been negative.

"The bottom line is that there is no clear correlation between standardized testing and the knowledge and skills kids will need to prosper in the 21st century world of work," says Peter Weddle, former CEO of Job Bank USA, Inc., and author of A Multitude of Hope: A Novel About Rediscovering the American Dream (www.AMultitudeofHope.com).

"It seems we're more interested in creating a homogenized workforce than a nation of individuals who have learned what their talent is and how to bring it to work with them," he says.

Consider these statistics:

• Annual state spending on standardized tests has increased by 160 percent - from $423 million in 2002 to $1.1 billion in 2008, according to the Pew Center on the States.

• Since 2002, the United States dropped from 18th in the world in math on the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) to 31st place in 2009, with a similar drop in science and no change in reading.

• The NCLB Act has drastically narrowed content, according to a study by the Center on Education Policy.

"This problem begins very early on. We take kids in elementary school and give them tests. Those who do well are designated as 'gifted and talented,' which means that everyone else is, by definition, ungifted and untalented. And, that's just not true.  In effect, we're devaluing all the capabilities that are not reflected in a standardized test," he says.

"Of course, we want to take care of our academically proficient kids, but we have to find a way to do that without signaling to every other child that they were at the end of the line when talent was handed out."

Too many Americans are stuck in old ways of thinking, from the classrooms of our elementary schools and colleges to the workplace," Weddle says. "But we're in a new economy and the path to the American Dream has changed. That means our old-school thinking must change as well."

He offers ways Americans can get back in the game as world leaders:

• We need to accept that the economy has changed: The first step to change is acknowledging it's needed, Weddle says. "Our employers are no longer competing with cheaper labor; they're up against smarter labor worldwide," he says. We hold a trump card, however: We have the most diverse pool of talent on the globe, whereas countries such as China and India have, by choice, a homogenous workforce.

• We must give career education greater priority: In China, every college student must, as a requirement of graduation, take a yearlong course that teaches them the skills and knowledge to manage their own careers effectively.  In the United States, that instruction is missing from college curricula. Yet, 53.6 percent of all college graduates under the age of 25 are now either unemployed or underemployed.

• We need to redefine talent so we can use it: "Our culture has taught us that talent is the province of exceptional people doing exceptional things," he says.  "We can see the talent of Lady Gaga, but not the talent of an accounts payable clerk.  And that's myopic.  We are all endowed with talent, but we have to discover it, nurture it and then bring it to work with us."

• We have to see ourselves as a 'work in progress': "The world of work is changing at warp speed - new technology, shifts in the global marketplace and changes in consumer tastes," he says. "That's why we need to be committed to continuous learning.  Regardless of our educational degree, years of experience or level of seniority, we need to be acquiring new skills and knowledge all of the time."

About Peter Weddle

Senator Chuck Grassley, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, issued the following comment about the President's announcement that the administration will halt deportation and allow the issuance of work permits to those in the country illegally.

"The President's action is an affront to the process of representative government by circumventing Congress and with a directive he may not have the authority to execute.  The President once denied that he had the legal authority to do this, and Congress was assured more than once that the administration would consider individuals for this sort of deferred status on a case-by-case basis only, and that there was no plan to implement a broad-based program.   It seems the President has put election-year politics above responsible policies.  On top of providing amnesty to those under 30 years old, the administration now will be granting work authorizations to illegal immigrants at the same time young Americans face record-high unemployment rates.  Americans also deserve to know how this amnesty program for hundreds of thousands of people will be funded, and whether resources for border security and enforcement will be diverted.  Congress has the authority to write immigration laws, and with this order the President is disregarding the voice of the people through their elected representatives in Congress."

LOMBARD - June 15, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law that makes it easier for public safety officers to raise money for charity. The new law ensures that counties or municipalities allow police officers and firefighters to collect charitable donations from motorists as they work along the roadside. The Governor signed the law at the Associated Firefighters of Illinois' (AFFI) 39th Biennial Convention in Lombard, making Illinois the sixth state in the nation to enact such a law.

"The men and women who protect us are known for serving their communities in and out of uniform," Governor Quinn said. "It is fitting that we salute the AFFI with a new law that will allow them to continue supporting organizations that improve the quality of life for the people of Illinois."

Senate Bill 3518, sponsored by Sen. John Mulroe (D-Chicago) and Rep. Donald L. Moffitt (R-Galesburg), was an initiative of the Associated Firefighters of Illinois. A number of communities have begun passing bans prohibiting firefighters and police officers from collecting charitable donations along roadways, citing safety concerns. Under the law signed today, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other public safety officials cannot be denied permits from municipalities or counties to collect donations in their communities and along roads, provided certain requirements are met.

For more than 50 years, the International Association of Firefighters and their members have "filled the boot" to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). During the annual national campaign, participating firefighters visit retail locations and stand along roadways to collect donations from passersby and motorists. Donations go toward finding a cure for muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular diseases, including ALS (known as Lou Gehrig's disease).

"Illinois firefighters have supported important organizations like the MDA for decades by filling their boots with donations that save lives," Sen. Mulroe said. "I would like to thank Governor Quinn for signing this law that will help them continue their work on behalf of individuals who have muscular dystrophy."

"I would like to thank Governor Quinn for signing this into law so quickly," said Rep. Moffitt. "The men and women who put their lives on the line to serve their communities have a long history of giving back, and this law will enable them to continue their outstanding efforts for this very worthy cause to fight muscular dystrophy and other neurological disorders."

"The Associated Firefighters of Illinois and the Muscular Dystrophy Association truly appreciate the work and support of Sen. Mulroe, Rep. Moffitt and Governor Quinn. Their efforts will allow all firefighters in the state of Illinois to 'fill the boot' in their respective communities," said Chuck Sullivan, legislative representative for the AFFI. "The legislation will strengthen our 58 year partnerships, and for that we are very thankful."

Funding to MDA also helps individuals and families affected by muscular dystrophy receive medical care at the seven MDA clinics throughout Illinois. And as summer gets underway, money raised by the AFFI will enable children and adults living with muscular dystrophy to attend summer camp. This new law will help firefighters continue to serve their communities by supporting organizations such as the MDA.

Illinois would be the 6th state in the nation to pass a law such as this one, following Florida, Nebraska, Texas, California, and North Carolina. The law takes effect immediately.