Square pegs don’t fit in round holes – health care has a lot to teach public education

Over the past few weeks, I have found myself having surreal conversations with top government education leaders about how to promote innovation. They claim there is no room for innovative "square peg" funding models that don't fit into the "round hole" of traditional education.

Why is this relevant in a health care blog? In past blogs, I have suggested that there is a disconnect between education and health care that may hurt our students. Education policymakers can learn a lot from health care policymakers. Progress occurs in health care when you embrace change and innovation and let go of your old ways. However, the education system insists it can only deliver education in the traditional "round hole" way, and anything outside of it is like a "square peg" that needs to be squashed – especially if it is an innovative model that has the word "charter" in it.

I am not suggesting that the health care system does not have its politics and special interests too. It is probably more political than education. But it is also more effective than education and more open to innovation.

Our education system is, for the most part, in a disastrous state. We don't teach almost 20% of our overall student body and 40% of inner city kids to read, not to mention other basic skills like math and writing. Yet, when innovative public school models emerge that actually help kids who struggle with reading, including those who are diagnosed with dyslexia, there is no room for them in our public school system.

One example of an innovative education model uses a blended learning approach through a virtual curriculum (reading/language arts/writing, math, social studies, science….). It is individualized for each student, allowing them to learn at their own instructional level supplemented by small group evidenced-based tutoring. The model works for kids who struggle to read, yet it has not found a place in Pennsylvania.

Here is my plea to all the education policymakers. All children are square pegs who don't always fit into round holes, and the day we recognize this is the day we are able to teach all kids to read and become life-long learners.

Health care, as challenged as our system still is, has the right formula for educators. In health care, we diagnose and then treat accordingly. The system embraces change that often leads to better care and outcomes. Health care has learned not to try to fit square pegs into round holes.

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