How TODAY’S SOCIETY affects the education of America’s young people will determine the course of human history for generations to come.
One of the most important goals of education is to instruct and to educate young people in becoming responsible citizens. Education is an invaluable resource because its tenets enable people to develop cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally on an individual basis. In addition, an effective educational curriculum promotes individual growth and development by providing students with the opportunities to acquire moral values, social skills, and health-related fitness.
The maturation process of young people is developmental in nature. The process covers a period of growth from birth through early adulthood (0-21). However, each person’s developmental timetable is unique and completely different. Through the influence of genetics, parenting, socialization, gender, and environment, one individual may evolve with adequate life skills necessary for successful integration into society. In contrast, however, another person of the very same age can develop such unacceptable behavioral traits as insolence, defiance, violence, disruption, disrespectfulness, and indolence. These inappropriate behavioral mechanisms frequently leave the person poorly prepared for a productive life.
It is the author’s intent that the provocative essays that follow will help to inform and educate readers about the pressing need to save our children.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR DR. CHARLES LOUIS SINGLETON was born and raised in Summerville, South Carolina. He earned his bachelor of science degree from Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina in 1968, a master of arts degree from Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1972, and a doctor of education degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1993. He also completed several courses relating to his profession, earning certificates and recognition for his efforts. He has been an education consultant since January 1981. Dr. Singleton has received numerous awards, honors, and certificates of distinction, including: Teacher of the Year (three times); YWCA Certificate of Appreciation-for service; Honorary Life Membership-Georgia PTA; and Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award-YWCA; to name a few. He also served his country in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1971. Dr. Singleton has been published in numerous communicational media. He is clearly recognized as a leader in his field. Historically, the Atherton Elementary Physical Education Program (Decatur, Georgia), directed by Dr. Charles L. Singleton, was recognized by both the Atlanta Paralympic Organizing Committee and the Youth and Education Program of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games for its outstanding Olympic-related learning experiences (1994 - 1996). Dr. Singleton developed educational strategies for incorporating the goals of the Olympic movement into the classroom while matriculating at NOVA Southeastern University.
