I just saw this terrifically dead-on quote on the back of a special edition issue of Scientific American dedicated to cardiovascular disease.

Here’s how that quote applies to a slice of life while the Tour de France is underway. Like any sport that pits man – or woman – against tough obstacles, I look at cycling as a metaphor for life. Today, the men of the Tour de France head into the Alps from Besancon to Oyonnax. It’ll be tough – with lots of climbing and focused effort on winning. Yes, painful. But, at the same time, great!

Today, I’ll climb a different kind of mountain: visiting Massachusetts State Representatives to continue to advocate moving forward a unified effort among MASS (Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents), MASC (Massachusetts Association of School Committees) and MASBO (Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials) to effect positive change in education with precious little time remaining in the current legislative session that ends July 31st.

Here’s an outline of the situation.

The big picture:

• Today’s education = tomorrow’s economy
• 30% of our population is engaged in education
• A better educated workforce = stronger tax base

The problem:

• Our schools are currently overwhelmed by mandated regulations and reporting requirements that distract attention and divert resources needed to provide students with the content and skills they need to succeed in a highly competitive global economy

Evidence:

• Massachusetts leads the nation in education but is ranked 4th in reading, 10th in math, and 7th in science internationally (PISA 2012)
• Excessive bureaucracy is driving valuably skilled teachers and administrators away from education

The solution:

• Make sense of mandates and regulations to take a first positive step toward helping our schools provide the education our students need to compete globally

Action:

• We’re asking that state legislators make a specific bill, H.3722 (An Act to establish an education mandate task force), a priority for enactment this legislative session.

Just like the Tour, the effort above is not about one person at all. It’s about a team effort – and it will be fun!