Blueprint for Reform: General Education is a comprehensive guide for state legislators and university trustees, advocating for a revitalization of general education curricula in higher education institutions. It emphasizes the necessity of a structured, liberal arts-focused curriculum that imparts essential knowledge in history, literature, philosophy, civics, and science, thereby fostering informed citizenship and critical thinking. The document critiques current general education programs for their lack of coherence and content, which often result in fragmented learning experiences. It proposes actionable steps to implement a more cohesive and meaningful educational framework.
Key Recommendations:
- Adopt a Liberal Arts-Focused Curriculum: Implement a university-wide policy that ensures a coherent education in Western history, works, and civic culture, particularly of the United States.
- Establish a Model Curriculum: Introduce specific courses such as Rhetoric and English Composition, Mathematics, Laboratory Science, Western History, United States History, United States Government, United States Literature, Introduction to Economics, and Western Humanities.
- Limit Course Options for General Education: Restrict the number of courses that can fulfill general education requirements to ensure a structured and comprehensive learning experience.
- Eliminate DEI and CRT-Based Requirements: Prohibit mandatory “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) or “critical race theory” (CRT) based courses as general education requirements.
- Implement Legislative Measures: Adopt legislation such as the General Education Act to transform requirements at a chosen state university.
These recommendations ensure that students learn important foundational knowledge and revitalize liberal arts education.
