NationStates Jolt Archive

SECOND REVISION

I believe I have solved the funding problem, I have also made the education requirements broader. As always please rip this proposal to shreds, find every error, flaw, inconsistency and corruptible clause.

Global Education Standards Act

RECOGNIZING that there is a lack of educational standards across World Assembly nations.

REALIZING that an educated nation is the key to a prosperous nation,

The World Assembly (WA) shall thus:

- MANDATE that every child of every WA nation shall be provided the primary and secondary education as defined by this resolution,

- ESTABLISH a global standard for education:

SUCH a standard shall consist of, at the very least, an education in basic: grammar, mathematics, and literature.

ADDITIONALLY, a secondary education shall also be provided consisting of a curriculum that builds on the primary education through topics such as, but not limited to: language, history, world culture, and art. Secondary education may also involve training through a trade school or apprenticeship.

THIS initiative will be provided for by the Global Education Standards Fund (GESF) whose funding will be provided as such:

A WA-sponsored lottery will be held in each WA nation annually proceeds will be divided like so: 30% of the proceeds will go to each nation's winner, 10% will fund administration of each nation's lottery, 10% will be spilt between GESF shareholders as a dividend, and 50% will fund GESF. Lottery ticket prices will be decided by each nation's government.

Shares will be sold by the World Assembly Lottery Administration (WALA) at a variable rate depending on the success of each lottery. Shares in the GESF may be bought by any WA citizen, this investment system should allow citizens in non-gambling nations to participate. Shares may not be traded and may only be sold back to WALA at the same price they were bought at.

May this resolution lay down the foundation for the prosperous futures of all World Assembly nations.

I don't vote for any proposal that includes "the children our are future" or "think of the children". Sorry.

If you're proposing a standard of education for all World Assembly nations and their citizens, then perhaps a revision that would appeal not only to children, but to adults seeking higher education, is in order, no? If I'm mistaken, it is only because the resolution is recognizing that "the children [are] [our] future". I must say, such a resolution will take at least two decades to produce any substantial benefits; that is, if it does not account for those currently in education or seeking higher education.

Also, the alcohol and tobacco industry shouldn't be footing the bill. They are in no way related to education. To make them pay for all of this is pushing the anti-alcohol and anti-tobacco agendas on nations that don't wish to tie up those industries in legislation.

Frisbeteeteria, but the children are our future! Please think of them!

Glen-Rhodes, my previous proposal did include a provision for higher education but it proved to be unpopular with the delegate population.

A tax on alcohol and tobacco is commonly referred to as a "sin" tax and I thought it highly appropriate that the "sins" of the adult population help fund the education of the "innocent" children.

Governments favor sin taxes because they generate an enormous amount of revenue and are usually easily accepted by the general public because they are indirect taxes that only affect those who use the products. When governments are in need of revenue, the sin tax is typically one of the first taxes recommended by lawmakers to help fill the budget gap.

If the alcohol/tobacco industry is the lynchpin of your economy then I highly suggest re-evaluating you economic priorities.

We have to agree Glen-Rhodes on this one. WA no right to force a certain industry of ALL members to pay for education. That, in our opinion, is up to each individual sovereign nation.

We like the Education act, with a couple of sticking points:

1. Higher education should be made accessible to adults as well. It's not only the children that need to learn...

2. Is the four year education after grammar school mandatory, or just made available? We feel that it should not be mandatory, but made available to those who want it. After all, there are many cultures where a child can instead become an apprentice in a particular field, instead of proceeding with a traditional high school-like education.

The Holy Republic of Benedict of Nursia applauds you in your efforts to improve education for our nations children!

My only sticking point is withe the source of funding.

From our point of view this problem is internal matter of each state and WA should not interfere in this. Each state has its own resposibility for children. Our commonwealth has education as its priority and we dont want bureaucrats from WA tell us what to do

Due to state suverenity we will vote against this proposal

Jamie Sal Markow, president
George Cowley, Prime minister
Armand Jean de Richelieu, Secretary of Foreign Affairs

The Confederacy of KaeZoo opposes this proposal.

We question the assumption that the twelve year, primary/secondary model represents the pinnacle of effective education. We assert that other educational models may be more effective with some individuals and in some nations. We suggest that imposing a "one size fits all" educational model will prevent the development of new educational methods that may prove more effective. We also suggest that imposing this standard may cause massive social disruptions in nations which commonly use other educational models, such as apprenticeships.

We object to any universal curriculum mandate. We point out that labor markets are affected by the presence or absence of educated workers, and note that the need for labor varies greatly between nations. We assert that every nation must be free to evaluate its own educational requirements. We suggest that a universal curriculum requirement may result in labor shortages in some nations, due to a shortage of educated workers in some specialized fields. We further suggest that a universal curriculum requirement may result in higher rates of unemployment, as workers are educated in ways that are not applicable in their own nations.

We reject any use of taxation for the purpose of discouraging or encouraging personal behaviors. We note the lack of any evidence suggesting that the proposed taxation rates will provide exactly the required amount of educational funding in all WA nations. We point out that the proposed funding mandate will benefit those nations in which the use of tobacco and alcohol is more popular. We theorize that some educational establishments may promote the use of these products in order to protect their own funding. We also note that the use of alcohol and tobacco is often more popular among poorer elements of society. We suggest that some nations may already fund existing programs through a tax on these products, and that the imposition of a further tax will disrupt the funding of those programs. We assert that an increase of taxes on alcohol and tobacco will result in an increase in smuggling of these products.

The government of the emperor of Urgench absolutely agrees with the words of the esteemed ambassador for KaeZoo, this resolution would have numerous negative unintended consiquences.

yours e.t.c. ,

I support education and I hope to see this resolution. I like to think of the Children of the Future. Because if you murdered all kids below the age 20, then who will be our next president?

This proposal is intended to provide a basic education to the world's children. It is meant to lift the poorer/uneducated classes out of poverty/ignorance. If your nations fear an educated population then you should not be in the WA.

This proposal is intended to provide a basic education to the world's children. It is meant to lift the poorer/uneducated classes out of poverty/ignorance. If your nations fear an educated population then you should not be in the WA.


The government of the emperor of Urgench wonders if the respected ambassador for Epigeal can really claim do be doing anything at all for the education of anyone with their resolution which presumably came to them on a whim and which was written on the back of a cocktail knapkin? Before telling others if they should be in the w.a. or not why not spend your time listening to what others have to say, and then go away and write a proper resolution into which you actually put some thought and effort.

yours e.t.c. ,

The people of Glen-Rhodes enjoy their alcohol, which is at relatively cheap prices. Income tax is already at 37% and we do not wish to impose a tax on recreational goods. Education in Glen-Rhodes is a top priority, and we have already created legislation offering low-interest loans to those wishing to seek higher education.

We will accept this resolution if, and only if, the taxation required to pay for this initiative is left to the discretion of each WA member nation. Also, in agreement with the Confederacy of KaeZoo, we will reject any attempt to force a universal curriculum mandate. Educational views differ from each WA member nation. We don't want our genetic research programs impeded on by religious fanatics in some far-off region.

I support education and I hope to see this resolution. I like to think of the Children of the Future. Because if you murdered all kids below the age 20, then who will be our next president?

Someone older than 20.

Timothy Schmidt
Bob Flibble's PA

Not too bad. Rather too blatantly tugging on the heart-strings for my taste, but whatever floats your boat. My absolute sticking point, though, is the tax to pay for it. Not because it's wrong to make one evil industry pay for good stuff, but because you're assuming that a flat tax rate on a single industry will pay for the whole of primary and secondary education, and I sincerely doubt that it will.

this should be left for individual deciding everyone has there own oppion

This proposal is intended to provide a basic education to the world's children. It is meant to lift the poorer/uneducated classes out of poverty/ignorance. If your nations fear an educated population then you should not be in the WA.

The Confederacy of KaeZoo wishes to express our disappointment with this statement from the ambassador from Epigeal. We are aware of no WA nation that has expressed fear of an educated populace in response to this proposal. Therefore, we believe the statement from the Rogue Nation of Epigeal demonstrates an unwillingness to consider the real objections raised by us and by other nations.

We would point out to the esteemed ambassador from Epigeal that the "intent" of a proposal, and what a proposal is "meant to" do, is often quite different from the actual effects resulting from the ensuing legislation. We will oppose any WA oversight of our nation's education system because we strongly believe it would result in a less efficient, less effective, less flexible, and less responsive program of education for our children.

We believe that the most effective system of education is locally designed and controlled. This belief is shared by an overwhelming majority of our population, who reject the idea of our children being subjected to an education system and curriculum designed and controlled by a global bureaucracy. We suspect that the only people who would welcome a universal, global educational curriculum are those who believe their own system is the ideal, and wish to impose it upon the rest of the world. To those people we say: thank you, but we are the ones best suited to make educational choices for our own children.

Amanda McCarthy

Ambassador to the World Assembly for the Confederacy of KaeZoo

The government of the emperor of Urgench wonders if the respected ambassador for Epigeal can really claim do be doing anything at all for the education of anyone with their resolution which presumably came to them on a whim and which was written on the back of a cocktail knapkin? Before telling others if they should be in the w.a. or not why not spend your time listening to what others have to say, and then go away and write a proper resolution into which you actually put some thought and effort.

yours e.t.c. ,

Glad to see I got the blood boiling in some of our good delegates. Don't the best ideas always come from cocktail napkins?

I implore my fellow delegates to help me rewrite this proposal into something they could get behind.

I implore my fellow delegates to help me rewrite this proposal into something they could get behind.

H'mm.

The World Assembly,

Recognising the value to nations of having adequately educated populations,

1. Strongly urges all WA member nations to ensure that they have adequate educational systems;

2. Acknowledges that all aspects of those systems should be determined at the national level, or at a lower level if this is considered more appropriate by the particular nations concerned, rather than by the World Assembly.

Glad to see I got the blood boiling in some of our good delegates. Don't the best ideas always come from cocktail napkins?

I implore my fellow delegates to help me rewrite this proposal into something they could get behind.


The government of the emperor of Urgench would like to point out to the respected ambassador for Epigeal that the blood of his excellency, ambassador Khan Mongkha was not boiling as you put it. It would be abundantly clear if that were the case.

We have to ask though, why should the rest of this organisation help you re-write a resolution that you spent all of 2 minutes cobbling together? Should other nation's ambassadors do your work for you? Especially when the issue you are trying to legislate for should only be dealt with by national governments and not by this organisation, in our humble opinion and for that matter the opinions of many other nations.


yours sincerely,

I gave you some pointers to what I'd like to see earlier, but I'm not going to rewrite your entire resolution for you. I'm far too lazy for that.

One thing I will say is that I don't want to see the sort of thing our friendly local ursinoids suggested. It always seems supremely pointless to say "The WA believes that X is a good thing, so waves its hands vigorously to make itself feel good but doesn't actually do anything."

The government of the emperor of Urgench would like to point out to the respected ambassador for Epigeal that the blood of his excellency, ambassador Khan Mongkha's blood was not boiling as you put it. It would be abundantly clear if that were the case.

We have to ask though, why should the rest of this organisation help you re-write a resolution that you spent all of 2 minutes cobbling together? Should other nation's ambassadors do your work for you? Especially when the issue you are trying to legislate for should only be dealt with by national governments and not by this organisation, in our humble opinion and for that matter the opinions of many other nations.


yours sincerely,

Yeesh, such hostility! I never suggested that any of my fellow ambassadors "do my work for me". I only wanted some friendly input in the name of international peace and collaboration. I respect your opinion Ambassador Mongkha and I shan't bother you again.

Yeesh, such hostility! I never suggested that any of my fellow ambassadors "do my work for me". I only wanted some friendly input in the name of international peace and collaboration. I respect your opinion Ambassador Mongkha and I shan't bother you again.

khan Mongkha's assistant Tarmashirin of Herat enters the chamber and hands the ambassador for Epigeal's staff a copy of a letter, it contains this message

"The government of the emperor of Urgench imagines that the respected ambassador for Epigeal mistakes irritation for hostility.
You are in fact asking others to write your resolution for you since you did not even have a firm or sensible outline of what kind of resolution you intended, just a couple of vague sentences. We are sure you can imagine how annoying that might be for nations engaged in actual work on actual problems.
Your laziness and flipancy have made the outcome of this debate a matter of supreme indifference to us, be rest assured we won't waiste our time trying to get you to do some actual work again.

For the purposes of improving your future relations with other nations it would be worth remembering that diplomatic good manners demands that one use an appropriate title for the diplomat one is addressing, since it was clear you were addressing someone of the rank of Khan you should not have used his name without the title " Excellency ", just as one would address a monarch " Majesty " or a duke " your Grace" , alternatively it would be good manners to say "the respected ambassador for ( which ever nation you are addressing) ,this is really not a point we make to be unkind but just to be helpfull.

yours e.t.c., Tarmashirin of Herat, Personal Assistant to his Excellency Mongkha khan of Kashgar, Ambassador to the World Assembly for Urgench. "

Tarmashirin exits the chamber in a hurry to find his boss who is very busy with real work

It is sad that such a promising proposal has been tied up in petty arguing. The Chancellor of Glen-Rhodes has expressed great interest in a global education standard, but I am forced to tell him that progress has been halted because the Ambassadors of Epigeal and Urgench are fighting over semantics and laziness.

As the WA Ambassador of Glen-Rhodes, I offer my services in rewriting the Global Education Standards Act, so that it can better suit the many member nations in the World Assembly.

The Confederacy of KaeZoo regrets to state that we cannot imagine a form of this proposal that we could support. The intent of this proposal is to create a standard for global education, and we believe it impossible to create any single educational standard which could be fairly applied to every nation, to say nothing of the varied individuals within every nation.

We have previously stated our objections to the provisions of this proposal. Those objections have not yet been answered. We will again state, and expand upon, our reasons for opposing this proposal.

The proposal mandates a standard educational system including eight years of primary education and four years of secondary education. This clause implicitly assumes that such a program is the most effective educational program possible; that it will be equally effective for all individuals in all nations; that no other educational system exists that is more effective for any individuals; that no more effective educational system can ever be developed. We are not convinced that any of these assumptions is correct.

We believe that the mandate of a rigidly defined educational program will prevent nations from experimenting with new ideas that may prove better for that nation or for many nations. We also feel that the writers of this proposal have not given sufficient thought to those nations that traditionally use different types of educational systems, and in which a mandated change would result in prohibitive costs and social upheaval.

The proposal intends to establish a universal curriculum. We strongly believe that the decision of what to teach our children is one best made at the local level. In fact, we project that a mandated curriculum designed by a global bureaucracy would be violently rejected by a majority of our citizens, who would believe (correctly) that their parental rights were being usurped. We believe that this would be the case in most nations, except those in which the universal curriculum matches the current curriculum. We do not expect, for example, that the nations submitting and supporting this proposal intend for their own educational systems to be changed; instead, they intend for their own educational systems to be mandated in other nations.

We are highly skeptical of the idea that any universal curriculum can meet the various educational needs of all nations. We foresee a future in which educated graduates lack the skills required to be successful in their own nations, in favor of skills not applicable to the labor markets in their homelands.

The proposal mandates a funding system that is neither fair, equitable, or practical. We are an admittedly cynical nation, but we find the idea of choosing any group for extra taxation specifically because of its unpopularity and lack of political power, to be much too cynical for us. The tax appears to have been arbitrarily selected with no consideration for how effective it will be in various nations.

We are chilled by the proposing ambassador's casual dismissal of the alcohol and tobacco industries, as stated by that ambassador in support of the proposal. In our nation as in many nations, we have a large number of citizens employed, and supporting families, from those industries. We value these citizens as much as any others, and we do not intend to impose hardships upon them just because someone, somewhere, disapproves of their efforts.

We note the irony of making funding for education, something which we all approve, dependent upon citizens making choices which we do not approve. Presumably nations which effectively educate their citizens against the use of tobacco and alcohol will be cutting educational funding thereby. Perhaps the loss of funding would result in less effective anti-tobacco and anti-alcohol education, leading to higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use, and thus increased funding. One might consider this a self-correcting funding system, but it does not strike us as a very stable one. We wonder if the educational establishment might choose to break the cycle by promoting tobacco and alcohol use to keep its funding secure. We also wonder if we may see advertising such as: "Have another cigarette: it's for the children!" This speculation on our part is, of course, facetious. It reflects our sense of the ridiculousness of the original funding proposal.

We welcome any answers to these objections that the proponent and supporters may be able to provide.

Amanda McCarthy
Ambassador to the World Assembly for the Confederacy of KaeZoo

Your concerns are acknowledged. We propose the following changes to the Global Education Standards Act, that we feel is acceptable, yet flexible. We have taken the liberty of rewriting the proposal, but do not intend to put it on the floor as its own, without the approval of the original author.

While the concern for higher education is important to us, we have left it out of the proposal, opting for an act that encompasses early and late childhood education.

Global Education Standards Act (revision II)

NOTICING that the educational standards of many member nations do not meet par with averages,

ACKNOWLEDGING that many member nations lack an organized educational system that complies with average standards set by existing member nations,

REALIZING that education promotes economic and social growth,

The World Assembly (WA) shall thus:

- MANDATE that every minor, as defined separately by each member nation, shall be provided a primary education that meets with WA averages,

- ESTABLISH a global standard for education:

SUCH a standard for childhood education shall be defined as, at the very least, a primary and secondary education that consists of grammar, mathematics, science and literature, and starts at an age deemed appropriate by each separate WA member nation, and ends when the child in question surpasses the qualification of a minor, as deemed appropriate by each separate WA member nation.

FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGING, each separate WA member nation reserves the right to set their own standard above that which is defined in this Act, including, but not limited to, longer primary and secondary education, and more expanded curriculum.

- FUNDING for this initiative will be provided by a tax set by each separate WA member nation, that completely encompasses primary and secondary education costs.

This is a revision to the Free Education Act. Comments and suggestions welcome
Global Education Standards Act
NOTICING a lack of education standards for World Assembly nations
RECOGNIZING that the children our are future
REALIZING that an educated nation is the key to a prosperous nation,
The World Assembly (WA) shall thus:
- MANDATE that every child of every WA nation shall be provided the primary and secondary education as defined by this resolution,
We find the basics above to be suitable but for that part that we have BOLDED As we agree children need to be educated but each nation knows the extent of what education they need provide thus the time to get their future citizens to that level should be left up to each nation and not generalize into a set time schedule covering set subjects.

- ESTABLISH a global standard for education:
SUCH a standard shall consist of, at the very least, an eight-year primary education in basic: grammar, mathematics, science and literature
ADDITIONALLY, a four-year secondary education shall also be provided consisting of a curriculum that builds on the primary education through topics such as, but not limited to: language, history, world culture, and art.[/QUOTE}Our education starts at age five for basic then there is a two year national service period that covers the higher education subjects; and it has worked for us and we see no need to move to keeping future citizens from out society for tweleve years while they gain nothing that can't be learned in seven; If you stay the course in their education and leave out the manure.

[QUOTE]- FUNDING for this initiative will be provided by a 5% tax levied on all alcohol and tobacco products consumed in every WA nationSo we jepordized our health to educate our future citizens by smoking and drinking! How do you expect future citizens to live long enough to become citizens if they have to smoke and drink to pay for an education?

May this resolution lay down the foundation for the prosperous futures of all World Assembly nations.It doen't lay down the foundation it builds up to the first floor when you start setting times mandated for an education and thus you open the door to folks saying what we must teach in a given time frame... just say nations need to educate their future citizens (and I use the term future citizens as a loose term for many things as know some nations don't have citizens but have work forces, military forces all that need education to become a greater force..) then leave it to each nation to set what it will provide it's future citzens.

Zarta Warden
WA Ambassador Cavarria

We are sorry this arrived late and see the new addition to it has in some way addressed out concerns.
We have yet to have time to fully read the new proposal but will try and get to it as soon as my wives allow me time to do so.
ZW,,,

Your concerns are acknowledged. We propose the following changes to the Global Education Standards Act, that we feel is acceptable, yet flexible. We have taken the liberty of rewriting the proposal, but do not intend to put it on the floor as its own, without the approval of the original author.

While the concern for higher education is important to us, we have left it out of the proposal, opting for an act that encompasses early and late childhood education.

Global Education Standards Act (revision II)

NOTICING that the educational standards of many member nations do not meet par with averages,

ACKNOWLEDGING that many member nations lack an organized educational system that complies with average standards set by existing member nations,

REALIZING that education promotes economic and social growth,

The World Assembly (WA) shall thus:

- MANDATE that every minor, as defined separately by each member nation, shall be provided a primary education that meets with WA averages,

- ESTABLISH a global standard for education:

SUCH a standard for childhood education shall be defined as, at the very least, a primary and secondary education that consists of grammar, mathematics, science and literature, and starts at an age deemed appropriate by each separate WA member nation, and ends when the child in question surpasses the qualification of a minor, as deemed appropriate by each separate WA member nation.

FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGING, each separate WA member nation reserves the right to set their own standard above that which is defined in this Act, including, but not limited to, longer primary and secondary education, and more expanded curriculum.

- FUNDING for this initiative will be provided by a tax set by each separate WA member nation, that completely encompasses primary and secondary education costs.

Generally a good revision, although I do have some concerns. My first is that I'd rather this were more general, with little focus on the specifics of what is to be taught - perhaps just the three R's would be best, and more globally acceptable (naturally allowing for an extended syllabus as nationstates deem appropriate). Some nations may not have a literary tradition as such, nor their languages a defined grammar structure, for example, and science may conflict with theocratic nation's values.

The second sticking point is the final clause

"FUNDING for this initiative will be provided by a tax set by each separate WA member nation, that completely encompasses primary and secondary education costs"

which to me is unacceptable, for it suggests the introduction of a new tax is mandated (which may not be acceptable to many nations) as opposed to encompassing it in existing tax structures or through raising taxes (OoC: which, from a gameplay point of view, will happen anyway through stat changes, I should imagine). Furthermore, I feel the fact that the budget for schools should not excede that raise by such a tax is ludicrous, as it will discourage investment in school structures (or indeed investment in establishing a state funded schooling system), or involve ridiculous variation in whatever tax one decideds to implement to accomodate wild fluctuations in the yearly education budgets which can otherwise be tempered by borrowing.

I appreciate the suggestions and the intelligent conversation regarding my proposal. I shall re-draft my proposal accordingly. Any and all delegates are welcome to draft/submit a proposal using any part of my original draft.

I never intended to get into a shouting match with His Excellency :hail: , The Respected Ambassador Khan Mongkha, I merely would like to see some global educational reform.

Dan Pochettes
World Assembly Ambassador for Epigeal

I appreciate the suggestions and the intelligent conversation regarding my proposal. I shall re-draft my proposal accordingly. Any and all delegates are welcome to draft/submit a proposal using any part of my original draft.

I never intended to get into a shouting match with His Excellency :hail: , The Respected Ambassador Khan Mongkha, I merely would like to see some global educational reform.

Dan Pochettes
World Assembly Ambassador for Epigeal

Tarmashirin of Herat enters the chamber and hurriedly hands the staff of the ambassador for Epigeal a note bowing slighltly as he does so, he then leaves just as hurriedly, the note reads-

" The government of the emperor of Urgench wishes to assure the esteemed ambassador for Epigeal that they never were in a "shouting match" as they would have it, with our humble ambassador. This is for two reasons, firstly our contributions to almost all debates are in written form unless his excellency the khan of kashgar is very moved indeed, and secondly it is considered the gravest possible descent in to barbarism for any Urgenchi to raise their tone of voice for any reason. his Excellency the Khan of Kashgar may be many things, but a barbarian? Never.

If you would like some more help with your proposal then we suggest that you take into account two things in it's formulation;

(1) many nations are not peopled by human populations and some of these and some of the human races for that matter do not live the average human life span of a m.t. nation, this may mean that their period of education may be considerably longer or shorter than that envisioned in your current draft.

(2) you should probably make proper provision within your resolution to protect systems which are superior to the one it mandates,by all means do away with any inferior ones but there is no need to throw out the good with the bad.

We again wish you luck with your work,

yours e.t.c. , Princess Ryabat Goizam of the Khitan, cultural attache of the permanent mission of Urgench to the World Assembly "

I gave you some pointers to what I'd like to see earlier, but I'm not going to rewrite your entire resolution for you. I'm far too lazy for that.

One thing I will say is that I don't want to see the sort of thing our friendly local ursinoids suggested. It always seems supremely pointless to say "The WA believes that X is a good thing, so waves its hands vigorously to make itself feel good but doesn't actually do anything."
That draft does have a point: It would make it a lot harder for the WA to force a standardised educational system on all of the member nations regardless of how badly the chosen model might fit some of them...

FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGING, each separate WA member nation reserves the right to set their own standard above that which is defined in this Act, including, but not limited to, longer primary and secondary education, and more expanded curriculum.

- FUNDING for this initiative will be provided by a tax set by each separate WA member nation, that completely encompasses primary and secondary education costs.
And what about nations in which education policy is legally a prerogative of a level of government other than that of the nation as a whole, such as our own one in which each of the separate Clans has jurisdiction over this matter within its own territories? Please don't try to force centralisation on us in this way.
And why must this project be financed solely by taxation, when some societies already possess well-funded educational systems that are financed through other means and are perfectly content with those situations?


Borrin o Redwood,
Ambassador to the World Assembly
for the government of
The Confederated Clans of Bears Armed.

That draft does have a point: It would make it a lot harder for the WA to force a standardised educational system on all of the member nations regardless of how badly the chosen model might fit some of them...

I'm sorry. "The WA believes that X is a good thing, so waves its hands vigorously to make itself feel good but won't allow itself to stop you doing whatever cack-handed thing you like about X." There, that's so much better.

...I'd rather this were more general, with little focus on the specifics of what is to be taught - perhaps just the three R's would be best, and more globally acceptable (naturally allowing for an extended syllabus as nationstates deem appropriate). Some nations may not have a literary tradition as such, nor their languages a defined grammar structure, for example, and science may conflict with theocratic nation's values.
You bring up an excellent point. The authors of the revision live in a society where religion and government are wholly separated, and education is a top priority. However, there are religion-based nations where the study of science is frowned upon, and those nations should be considered in an all-encompassing standard.

"FUNDING for this initiative will be provided by a tax set by each separate WA member nation, that completely encompasses primary and secondary education costs"

which to me is unacceptable, for it suggests the introduction of a new tax is mandated (which may not be acceptable to many nations) as opposed to encompassing it in existing tax structures or through raising taxes (OoC: which, from a gameplay point of view, will happen anyway through stat changes, I should imagine). Furthermore, I feel the fact that the budget for schools should not excede that raise by such a tax is ludicrous, as it will discourage investment in school structures (or indeed investment in establishing a state funded schooling system), or involve ridiculous variation in whatever tax one decideds to implement to accomodate wild fluctuations in the yearly education budgets which can otherwise be tempered by borrowing.
And why must this project be financed solely by taxation, when some societies already possess well-funded educational systems that are financed through other means and are perfectly content with those situations?
(OOC: I'm not sure if a resolution can having tax-free funding.)
With all due respect, the nations that have caused this issue to be raised are nations where there is no pre-existing funding for education. In such cases, a new tax is the best way to go about raising funds. Should your nation have adequate funding for education without the use of tax, you're nation exists in a Utopian state and doesn't need to be in the World Assembly. In Glen-Rhodes, an additional education tax would be minimal -- not even 0.01%. Cases such as those above would have a similar tax.
And what about nations in which education policy is legally a prerogative of a level of government other than that of the nation as a whole, such as our own one in which each of the separate Clans has jurisdiction over this matter within its own territories? Please don't try to force centralisation on us in this way.
In such a case, Clans are also part of the World Assembly, and are thus included in all World Assembly decisions. I do not understand what problems arise from this; if Clans are autonomous, then they would each reserve the right to set their own taxes that encompass education costs. Also, you are aware that the World Assembly is based upon centralization, right?

(OOC: I'm not sure if a resolution can having tax-free funding.)
With all due respect, the nations that have caused this issue to be raised are nations where there is no pre-existing funding for education. In such cases, a new tax is the best way to go about raising funds. Should your nation have adequate funding for education without the use of tax, you're nation exists in a Utopian state and doesn't need to be in the World Assembly. In Glen-Rhodes, an additional education tax would be minimal -- not even 0.01%. Cases such as those above would have a similar tax.


(OoC: Unless there's been a rules change, I don't think it's neccessary)

I think the thing is there is more than one option, and many of which would not require increasing of taxes. For example, a nation may have been running a budget surplus for some time, and thus not need to increase taxes. Other countries may feel that it can be done via charitible institutions, or via a scholarship system in partnership with existing private schools. Furthermore, as I say, it should be up to countries to decide whether educational funding can engage in negetive spending. Re-iterating the point about fluctuation, to use an extreme example (education funded by a tax on incomes in a nation without pre-existing free education); in the first year, you would need to build schools, buy books, train teachers, etc, so the tax may be 10%. Next year you just need to keep it going, so it goes down to 0.5%, continual getting lower, until year ten, when the buildings need renovating, etc, when the tax would have to rise to say 2%. This is not going to go down well with any democratic country. A silly country might try and raise the money by putting a tax on children

It would be simpler to say

"MANDATES that government's ensure education is provided free to children and their parents at point of use"

or something along those lines

Our nation is in support of this in principal, however we do not support penalizing citizens for their way of life. A new tax would be acceptable where all tax payers contribute to the sustained improvement of education.

Minister of Education
Nation of Canarama
Julia Keswick

"MANDATES that government's ensure education is provided free to children and their parents at point of use"

or something along those lines

Minus the grocer's apostrophe, I'd be right behind that. It makes it clear that funding education is the government's problem, but doesn't prevent the government solving that problem with sponsorship from religions, companies, charities, or whatever else fits their ideology.

I like the idea of funding the education initiative at the government's discretion. I'll include it on the next draft, because I am sure the draft that is queued right now will die before reaching quorum. Additionally there seems to be a draft that is suspiciously similar to mine queued up by Scottish Capitals. Ah well, I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

(OOC: I'm not sure if a resolution can having tax-free funding.)
(OOC: Yes, one can.)

With all due respect, the nations that have caused this issue to be raised are nations where there is no pre-existing funding for education. In such cases, a new tax is the best way to go about raising funds. Should your nation have adequate funding for education without the use of tax, you're nation exists in a Utopian state and doesn't need to be in the World Assembly.
Or they might be nations where different local authorities fund education in differing ways. Or nations where it is financed through a widespread network of charities, which are (at least) adequately funded because a high proportion of the population are reasonably devout followers of a faith that preaches "salvation through good works". Or nations where most families can afford to pay fees for their children's education, and fees are set on a sliding scale so that the better-off subsidise the poorer. Or nations where the funding comes from royalties on mining rights/forestry leases/fishing rights/etc. Or ('future-tech') nations where children are routinely home-schooled through access to a (possibly self-aware) computer network which has this as only one of its many functions...

In such a case, Clans are also part of the World Assembly, and are thus included in all World Assembly decisions. I do not understand what problems arise from this;
We have a legally-binding Constitution. Under the terms of that agreement the 'national government', which exists primarily for arbitrating disputes between the Clans and then for dealing with outsiders, is not ALLOWED to sign the nation up for any laws that would impose binding terms (rather than just advisory ones) in any matters that are legally reserved to the separate Clans' jurisdiction... unless those laws wouldn't require anything that those Clans haven't already chosen to do anyway, which isn't the case for this proposal.

if Clans are autonomous, then they would each reserve the right to set their own taxes that encompass education costs.
The wording of the proposal's current draft would not allow this.

Also, you are aware that the World Assembly is based upon centralization, right?
The World Assembly is based on "changing the world, one resolution at a time". That's ALL. It could just as 'legally' be used to de-centralise all of the member nations as much as possible...
Some nations might want to force everybody into a single, standardised & centralised mold, but there are also quite a few of us who believe that the WA should mainly concentrate on regulating those fields of activity that involve interactions between the nations (such as diplomatic immunity, rules for warfare, international trade, cooperation on crime-fighting, the prevention of cross-border environmental damage, and the like...) -- with maybe some of the most fundamental of sapient rights, such as freedom from genocide and freedom from slavery -- instead of meddling with the nations' purely internal affairs.
After all, the basic rules of the WA guarantee member nations' right to have whatever kinds of governments they choose... so wouldn't it then turning round to tell those governments how to run their countries be blatantly hypocriticial? Maybe that's how you humans do things (You are human, I presume? I can't see you clearly at this distance...) but we Ursines are more straightforwards.


Borrin o Redwood,
Ambassador to the World Assembly
for the government of
The Confederated Clans of Bears Armed.

The government of the emperor of Urgench must agree wholeheartedly with the highly esteemed ambassador for Bears Armed, we also feel that the concept of this resolution constitutes a very basic undermining of the rights of nations to rule themselves as they see fit. While we accept that the w.a. may be used for such purposes we do not think it should.

yours e.t.c.,

Huffed and puffed already from a previous debate on slavery...
Or they might be nations where different local authorities fund education in differing ways. Or nations where it is financed through a widespread network of charities, which are (at least) adequately funded because a high proportion of the population are reasonably devout followers of a faith that preaches "salvation through good works". Or nations where most families can afford to pay fees for their children's education, and fees are set on a sliding scale so that the better-off subsidise the poorer. Or nations where the funding comes from royalties on mining rights/forestry leases/fishing rights/etc. Or ('future-tech') nations where children are routinely home-schooled through access to a (possibly self-aware) computer network which has this as only one of its many functions...
Your litany, strong as it might be, is worth nothing. The 5 "or's" you've provided are all under the assumption that the nation in question already has funding for education. This Act is aimed at those nations that do not have that funding.

We have a legally-binding Constitution. Under the terms of that agreement the 'national government', which exists primarily for arbitrating disputes between the Clans and then for dealing with outsiders, is not ALLOWED to sign the nation up for any laws that would impose binding terms (rather than just advisory ones) in any matters that are legally reserved to the separate Clans' jurisdiction... unless those laws wouldn't require anything that those Clans haven't already chosen to do anyway, which isn't the case for this proposal.
Your constitution is illegal, then. A nation cannot be a member of the World Assembly if it creates legislation that prevents World Assembly decisions from affecting it. There are several binding resolutions that have been passed by majority vote; this education act is not the first.

The World Assembly is based on "changing the world, one resolution at a time". That's ALL. It could just as 'legally' be used to de-centralise all of the member nations as much as possible...
Some nations might want to force everybody into a single, standardised & centralised mold, but there are also quite a few of us who believe that the WA should mainly concentrate on regulating those fields of activity that involve interactions between the nations (such as diplomatic immunity, rules for warfare, international trade, cooperation on crime-fighting, the prevention of cross-border environmental damage, and the like...) -- with maybe some of the most fundamental of sapient rights, such as freedom from genocide and freedom from slavery -- instead of meddling with the nations' purely internal affairs.
After all, the basic rules of the WA guarantee member nations' right to have whatever kinds of governments they choose... so wouldn't it then turning round to tell those governments how to run their countries be blatantly hypocriticial? Maybe that's how you humans do things (You are human, I presume? I can't see you clearly at this distance...) but we Ursines are more straightforwards.
The very concept of a World Assembly is centralization. Upon joining, the nation is centralized on a global scale. I say this of my own accord: perhaps if you had any educational standards, you'd know that.

"MANDATES that government's ensure education is provided free to children and their parents at point of use"
This is acceptable. However, perhaps an oversight committee is needed to ensure that governments are abiding by the mandate?

"MANDATES that government's ensure education is provided free to children and their parents at point of use"
This is acceptable. However, perhaps an oversight committee is needed to ensure that governments are abiding by the mandate?

Shouldn't be neccessary for an oversight committee - WA legislation is automatically made law in all member nations, and governments will be in compliance with the clause if the resolution passes (due to gameplay reasons).
Although, before you alter the clause, Gob was correct in saying I was incorrect to add the apostrophe!

The NED(National Education Department) of the Commonwealth of Scottorium, agree with the basic principles of this proposal. Though we as a nation do use taxation to fund our education we understand that some nations do not, will not or can not. Until the Funding clause is editied, we can not officially back this bill.


Diane DiClemente
Secretary - NED of the Commonwealth of Scottorium

Huffed and puffed already from a previous debate on slavery...In which you argued that decisions about the abolition of slavery were a matter for national sovereignty: Why do you regard enforcing a standardised educational system as more important than that matter?

Your litany, strong as it might be, is worth nothing. The 5 "or's" you've provided are all under the assumption that the nation in question already has funding for education. This Act is aimed at those nations that do not have that funding.
The current text of this proposal does not say that it is only aimed at "those nations that do not have this funding": Therefore, by default, it is aimed at ALL of the WA's member nations.

Your constitution is illegal, then.Goldilocks-shit!A nation cannot be a member of the World Assembly if it creates legislation that prevents World Assembly decisions from affecting it. There are several binding resolutions that have been passed by majority vote; this education act is not the first.
The terms of those previous binding resolutions did not exceed the rules under which the separate Clans had all already agreed to function, so that -- as I have already explained -- my government was free to sign us up to them.... And if this orgnisation ever passes a resolution that (like this proposal) does exceed those limits, we will be perfectly free to leave rather than acquiese. Nothing 'illegal' there!

The very concept of a World Assembly is centralization. Upon joining, the nation is centralized on a global scale. I say this of my own accord:And it is only your own opinion, and that of those national governments that think as yours does, NOT an official ruling.
perhaps if you had any educational standards, you'd know that. And perhaps if you'd been here for rather longer than seems to be [apparently] the case you'd know that the same argument has been in progress here for years -- over the nature of the NSUN -- and that the centralisers (or 'IntFeds') never managed to persuade everybody of their case. You aren't even the most eloquent of the people to try suggesting that this organisation (or its predecessor) is a 'world government' rather than a free association of independent nations...


Borrin o Redwood,
Ambassador to the World Assembly
for the government of
The Confederated Clans of Bears Armed.

This is a revision to the Free Education Act. Comments and suggestions welcome

Global Education Standards Act

NOTICING a lack of education standards for World Assembly nations

RECOGNIZING that the children our are future

REALIZING that an educated nation is the key to a prosperous nation,

The World Assembly (WA) shall thus:

- MANDATE that every child of every WA nation shall be provided the primary and secondary education as defined by this resolution,

- ESTABLISH a global standard for education:

SUCH a standard shall consist of, at the very least, an eight-year primary education in basic: grammar, mathematics, science and literature

ADDITIONALLY, a four-year secondary education shall also be provided consisting of a curriculum that builds on the primary education through topics such as, but not limited to: language, history, world culture, and art.

- FUNDING for this initiative will be provided by a 5% tax levied on all alcohol and tobacco products consumed in every WA nation

May this resolution lay down the foundation for the prosperous futures of all World Assembly nations.


My country will be happy to support this resolution even if the country who has put it forward decides to review. I just have some questions that I would like you to answer so I am assess the suitability.

1. Who is going to be monitoring education system to ensure that the standards are in accordance with this resolution.

2. If there is a problem with a system who will be responsible for resolving the issues.

In which you argued that decisions about the abolition of slavery were a matter for national sovereignty: Why do you regard enforcing a standardised educational system as more important than that matter?
Because, knowledge is a human right and is required for the world to progress. Slavery is a civil issue, and many nations have flourished using forced labor.
The current text of this proposal does not say that it is only aimed at "those nations that do not have this funding": Therefore, by default, it is aimed at ALL of the WA's member nations.
It does not say that, because WA resolutions cannot be "optional".
The terms of those previous binding resolutions did not exceed the rules under which the separate Clans had all already agreed to function, so that -- as I have already explained -- my government was free to sign us up to them.... And if this orgnisation ever passes a resolution that (like this proposal) does exceed those limits, we will be perfectly free to leave rather than acquiesce. Nothing 'illegal' there! And it is only your own opinion, and that of those national governments that think as yours does, NOT an official ruling.
Then your mighty nation may as well leave now. All resolutions are binding and affect the entirety of every member nation, no matter what current legislation exists in said nation. Should legislation exist that is contrary to a resolution, it is rendered null and void. If you do not like these rules, then you are free to retract your affiliation with the World Assembly.
And perhaps if you'd been here for rather longer than seems to be [apparently] the case you'd know that the same argument has been in progress here for years -- over the nature of the NSUN -- and that the centralisers (or 'IntFeds') never managed to persuade everybody of their case. You aren't even the most eloquent of the people to try suggesting that this organisation (or its predecessor) is a 'world government' rather than a free association of independent nations...
OOC: I'm sorry if you thought I was insulting you, as the above leads me to think. I have no hard feelings against anybody that I've argued with thus far.

Just because an argument has been going on for years doesn't, and shouldn't, restrict anybody from joining in on that argument. It's my opinion that the World Assembly and the previous United Nations were indeed, essentially, a world government. They pass international laws that override any pre-existing national laws.

I believe I have solved the funding problem, I have also made the education requirements broader. As always please rip this proposal to shreds, find every error, flaw, inconsistency and corruptible clause.

Global Education Standards Act

RECOGNIZING that there is a lack of educational standards across World Assembly nations.

REALIZING that an educated nation is the key to a prosperous nation,

The World Assembly (WA) shall thus:

- MANDATE that every child of every WA nation shall be provided the primary and secondary education as defined by this resolution,

- ESTABLISH a global standard for education:

SUCH a standard shall consist of, at the very least, an education in basic: grammar, mathematics, and literature.

ADDITIONALLY, a secondary education shall also be provided consisting of a curriculum that builds on the primary education through topics such as, but not limited to: language, history, world culture, and art. Secondary education may also involve training through a trade school or apprenticeship.

THIS initiative will be provided for by the Global Education Standards Fund (GESF) whose funding will be provided as such:

A WA-sponsored lottery will be held in each WA nation annually proceeds will be divided like so: 30% of the proceeds will go to each nation's winner, 10% will fund administration of each nation's lottery, 10% will be spilt between GESF shareholders as a dividend, and 50% will fund GESF. Lottery ticket prices will be decided by each nation's government.

Shares will be sold by the World Assembly Lottery Administration (WALA) at a variable rate depending on the success of each lottery. Shares in the GESF may be bought by any WA citizen, this investment system should allow citizens in non-gambling nations to participate. Shares may not be traded and may only be sold back to WALA at the same price they were bought at.

May this resolution lay down the foundation for the prosperous futures of all World Assembly nations.

Thread merged. Edit your new version into the first post if you want, but please don't start a new thread for each draft.

Sorry about that. Duly noted.

RECOGNIZING that there is a lack of educational standards across World Assembly nations.

OK.

REALIZING that an educated nation is the key to a prosperous nation,

No. Education may be the key to a prosperous nation, but "an educated nation" in that context just looks wrong.

The World Assembly (WA) shall thus:

- MANDATE that every child of every WA nation shall be provided the primary and secondary education as defined by this resolution,
The definitions of 'primary' and 'secondary' seem to have got lost.

- ESTABLISH a global standard for education:

SUCH a standard shall consist of, at the very least, an education in basic: grammar, mathematics, and literature.
Lose the colon after "basic".

This isn't a standard. It's a list of subjects that you want in the core curriculum, which is fine and good. It should also be stated explicitly that this is a core curriculum for primary education (in which case it should really be 'arithmetic and literacy' instead of 'mathematics and literature')

ADDITIONALLY, a secondary education shall also be provided consisting of a curriculum that builds on the primary education through topics such as, but not limited to: language, history, world culture, and art. Secondary education may also involve training through a trade school or apprenticeship.
This is a bit of a non-event as clauses go. "A secondary education shall be provided" -- you've already MANDATED that. "[T]hrough such topics as..." these suggestions, but nations needn't use them if they don't want to. The only thing this clause adds is allowing apprenticeships to be considered as secondary education, and I'm not in favour of something so narrow.

THIS initiative will be provided for by the Global Education Standards Fund (GESF) whose funding will be provided as such:

A WA-sponsored lottery will be held in each WA nation annually proceeds will be divided like so: 30% of the proceeds will go to each nation's winner, 10% will fund administration of each nation's lottery, 10% will be spilt between GESF shareholders as a dividend, and 50% will fund GESF. Lottery ticket prices will be decided by each nation's government.

Oh dear sweet Joss, no. You're assuming that the lottery proceeds will cover the education costs, and still throwing fixed percentage figures around. I'd put money on you being wrong.

The World Assembly (WA) shall thus:

- MANDATE that every child of every WA nation shall be provided the primary and secondary education as defined by this resolution,

- ESTABLISH a global standard for education:

SUCH a standard shall consist of, at the very least, an education in basic: grammar, mathematics, and literature.

When you do get around to inserting the aforementioned standards, they need to cover more subjects than readin' writin' and 'rithmetic. National and World History, Biological and Physical Science, Language and Literature, Lower and Higher Mathematics, Foreign Language, and others are all good starting points (wink wink nudge nudge).

ADDITIONALLY, a secondary education shall also be provided consisting of a curriculum that builds on the primary education through topics such as, but not limited to: language, history, world culture, and art. Secondary education may also involve training through a trade school or apprenticeship.

This doesn't mesh with the previous clause; you don't define standards or even a primary education, but we jump right into secondary education. If you're going to use arbitrary definitions like "primary" and "secondary" you need to define them concretely. Education isn't just a first second third phenomenon, you need to lay out a specific system for learning.

That may not even include definitions like primary and secondary. Focus on subjects, not time spent learning.

THIS initiative will be provided for by the Global Education Standards Fund (GESF) whose funding will be provided as such:

A WA-sponsored lottery will be held in each WA nation annually proceeds will be divided like so: 30% of the proceeds will go to each nation's winner, 10% will fund administration of each nation's lottery, 10% will be spilt between GESF shareholders as a dividend, and 50% will fund GESF. Lottery ticket prices will be decided by each nation's government.

Oh lord. No, just no. An education lottery? How about the Phys Ed Slots? Math Department Blackjack? Absolutely not.

Shares will be sold by the World Assembly Lottery Administration (WALA) at a variable rate depending on the success of each lottery. Shares in the GESF may be bought by any WA citizen, this investment system should allow citizens in non-gambling nations to participate. Shares may not be traded and may only be sold back to WALA at the same price they were bought at.

May this resolution lay down the foundation for the prosperous futures of all World Assembly nations.

If you'd like to write a gambling proposal, there's a category for that.

There is absolutely no need for funding in this proposal. It's a set of requirements to standardize and improve the state of education in member countries, not a betting game where we buy tickets to see whether our kids get new history books this year, that don't refer to Defeat the Axis of Evil as "a brilliant start to the U.N.'s career"

Wens Foroun
Symposium Subjugant

To Gobbannaen:

Okay how about this,

REALIZING that an educated populace is the key to a prosperous nation

the MANDATE clause will be struck

ESTABLISH a global standard for education:

Such a standard shall require that children in all WA nations, by the age of twelve, shall be literate to the point that they can read the daily newspaper and write a coherent, structured paragraph. Arithmetic knowledge should be at the point to where the child can make and understand simple monetary transactions used in daily activities such as trading for goods and services.

I am still grappling with a way I can propose a universal standard, but this would be my general idea.

As for the funding, the lottery proceeds are only meant to supplement a nation's existing education budget not provide for it solely. The percentages are meant to ensure that the funds will go to the correct places. Raising taxes are everyone's least favorite subject and I tried to leave them out completely. A lottery/investment system would make donations voluntary and would fund the GESF over a period of time. Obviously these standards won't be implemented over night. Otherwise, I see no other source of funding that could possibly support this initiative. If you have any other funding suggestions I'm all ears.

To the nation of Allech-Atreus:

I included many of those subjects, like science and history, in my first draft but they were rejected by other delegates on religious and cultural grounds (ex. biblical vs. textbook history and the theoretical nature of science).

As for the lottery, I think it is very appropriate to appeal to a citizen's sense of greed if you want to get things done. People are much happier with a chance at millions than a new line otem on their taxes. As I said before, THE LOTTERY WILL NOT BE THE SOLE SOURCE OF FUNDING FOR THIS INITIATIVE just a supplement to each member states' education budget.

To the nation of Allech-Atreus:

I included many of those subjects, like science and history, in my first draft but they were rejected by other delegates on religious and cultural grounds (ex. biblical vs. textbook history and the theoretical nature of science).

I only represent my nation, I'm not my nation itself.

Don't listen to the idiots. "Rejected by various delegates" really only means religious bigots and morons didn't like it. You can handily avoid their objections by including a clause allowing for parochial education or homeschooling, while making sure the core curriculum conforms to the guidelines for all other schools.

Just because they're religious doesn't make them special. Reverend Schecky doesn't get to opt out of bio science because a book told him bats were birds.

As for the lottery, I think it is very appropriate to appeal to a citizen's sense of greed if you want to get things done. People are much happier with a chance at millions than a new line otem on their taxes. As I said before, THE LOTTERY WILL NOT BE THE SOLE SOURCE OF FUNDING FOR THIS INITIATIVE just a supplement to each member states' education budget.

Or, you could just not include any sort of funding requirement at all, since nothing in your bill requires it. Also, the Assembly magically funds itself anyway, so why bother with it at all? You can use that character space for fleshing out the educational requirements.

Wens Foroun
Symposium Subjugant

To the ambassadors of every nation presently debating,

Consider, also, these facts as proceedings continue: each nation has its own unique culture; culture dictates what is appropriate for an education.

In light of these facts, logic tells us that imposing a universal standard of education will suppress the culture of any nation that does not parallel the culture under which the standard is based.

For example:

If a nation’s culture is primarily tribal, their education standard may recognize the ability to differentiate between poisonous fruit and non-poisonous fruit as one of the founding principles of success in life. Contrarily, in a more modern culture, the ability to calculate tax when purchasing berries at the market may prove to be necessary.

By the fore mentioned logic, the governments of the regions collectively known as Energeia oppose ANY universal standard of education or any construct with similar means.

Consider, also, these facts as proceedings continue: each nation has its own unique culture; culture dictates what is appropriate for an education.

In light of these facts, logic tells us that imposing a universal standard of education will suppress the culture of any nation that does not parallel the culture under which the standard is based.

This is rather circular. Certainly it's important to maintain the cultural identity of independent groups, but there's a certain point at which cultural exemption ends. There's no harm in mandating basic reading and language levels. If groups don't like it, they can leave the WA.

For example:

If a nation’s culture is primarily tribal, their education standard may recognize the ability to differentiate between poisonous fruit and non-poisonous fruit as one of the founding principles of success in life. Contrarily, in a more modern culture, the ability to calculate tax when purchasing berries at the market may prove to be necessary.

Okay, let's talk about the Mag'ungu tribe, whose culture is dependent on the kidnapping and rape of women from opposing tribes? They teach their people from youth that this is the acceptable and proper way to do things.

There are ways of ensuring that cultural heritage is preserved, but arguing a blanket exemption is just silly, because we run into all sorts of radical, unsavory practices that really have no business being practiced. Things like suttee, child marriage, genital mutilation, and various other cultural practices are not only distasteful, they are harmful to community health.

By the fore mentioned logic, the governments of the regions collectively known as Energeia oppose ANY universal standard of education or any construct with similar means.

Our religion believes that education is the highest ideal. Hiding behind archaic practices, simply for the sake of tradition, is a monstrous betrayal of the capacity to learn. We value the cultural differences inherent in all societies, but we don't believe those differences are an excuse to allow illiterate children to grow into illiterate adults, or to trap the uneducated in societies where their potential in unrealized.

Wens Foroun
Symposium Subjugant

After much deliberation, the governments of Energeia have decided a spectator's position is most appropriate for the ambassador considering the lack of insight on these and many other matters. It is the will of the governments of Energeia to retract formally all statements made in post number fifty-four and to assume its proper position on the fence.

I am happy to see a funding scheme that can improve education globally, but I think the lottery should be weekly.

The bottom line here is that I think we need to consider which countries would not already be meeting the standards the WA would mandate and why they would be failing to meet those standards. The obvious answers would be that either they lack the means, they lack the teachers, or they have come up with viable alternatives. Of those, only the second issue is easily addressed.

Look, education is great and all, but not all countries have the capacity to guarantee universal educational standards. Suppose we have a tribal nation resembling Afghanistan in the World Assembly...Are we going to hold them to the same standards as the most industrialized world powers? What about a nation that functions adequately on a system of apprenticeships? Do they really need to have an organized program of primary/secondary study of literature? And what good is a lottery going to do for a deeply impoverished country anyway? If they barely have the money to put food on the table, then even if you do convince them to take part in the lottery, you're just creating more problems. I'll bet there are WA countries that would like to outlaw gambling altogether. Why does this need to be mandated anyway?

Take it from me,but would you rather have your people to be not educated. Not taking your nation to the next level in science or any other. I would like to put in active then not.It will benefit all of you alot. without the conquences. my vote yay

I have read this thread which much interest. I am glad so many people are involved in education.

But I have some bad feelings to where this proposal will lead. Correct me if I am wrong, but here are my remarks.

A lottery, yeah, yeah and that for getting our education on a higher standard. Sorry I cannot follow this. But maybe it is because I am against gambling for the future. I like facts and insight.

Than I think a education standard can be quite OK, but leave it to the nations how to comply with it. And that standard (do not mix that with centralisation please, the WA is not a state, not a federation, not even a confederation) should be something like that the education you get in a country is so that you gen insight in your society and enough knowledge to get a descent future so that a person is able to have a live with shelter, food, health and fun. And I think what you need to learn depends on the society in which you live.

I think that is an important task for governments of a nation. So I think something like that is what the WA can enforce its members. I do think in this proposal must be more about the standard, lees about the funding and organising.

Wish you luck,
Cocoamok
WA delegate for Intelligentsia Islands

I must say I think Glen-Rhodes' (revised) draft was far superior

What has happened since the submission of the Glen-Rhodes revision is comical at best, if I may be frank. The argument went from not strictly defining the baseline curriculum, to demanding that it be higher and include more. The second revision by Epigeal representatives ignored the concerns for how long a person should be educated, and trapped itself in red tape by including a higher-education clause, that would cost billions of dollars -- if not more -- for most WA member nations.

While I personally commend the creative thought that went in to funding, it's not at all normal and could prove hard to implement. It doesn't take in to account the member nations that have outlawed gambling. It's also an unstable source of funding. There's no guarantee that this lottery will remain popular, whereas a tax is not something a citizen can opt out of.

Dr. Bradford Castro
World Assembly Ambassador
The Commonwealth of Glen Rhodes

Shouldn't something as important as requiring all WA member nations to set up a lottery, even if they've previously banned gambling altogether, be pawed as a proposal (classified as 'Gambling [Promote]', of course...) in its own right, rather than an add-on to one on the subject of Education?
If you absolutely must have a 'Universal Education' resolution then I would suggest you paw the matter of funding with a clause along the lines of Requires each & every member government to ensure that adequate funding is available for this programme within its nation; and leave it up to those goverments whether they do this through taxation, a lottery, or simply the continuation of any other funding systems that they might already have in place...


Borrin o Redwood,
Ambassador to the World Assembly
for the government of
The Confederated Clans of Bears Armed.

Good Afternnon

I have been reading with great interest and am intrigued by the debate which has arisen here. I have a few questions regarding the proposal. How do you measure whether or not a country is meeting WA educational standards? Will specific targets or objectives be included for which to use as a guide? I do not think a global curriculum is perhaps the most effective way to move forward here. Afterall, as others have stated, what is considered important and indeed useful in some states may not necessarily be sop useful in other WA member states. Or will it be a generalised curriculum in which each state can alter to suit their particular needs?

WA ambassador
Consitutional Monarchy of McNabia

The Government of Energeia would like to ask an important question in perception of a possibly overlooked aspect of the proposition.

Being that a universal standard of education is universal, wouldn’t it lay the foundation for a world government or at least take the first step in such a direction.

You know the drill...

Global Educational Standards Act

RECOGNIZING that there is a lack of educational standards across World Assembly nations.

REALIZING that an educated populace is the key to a prosperous nation,

The World Assembly (WA) shall thus:

- MANDATE that every child of every WA nation shall be provided an education as defined by this resolution,

- ESTABLISH a global standard for education:

SUCH a standard shall require that children in all WA nations, by the age of twelve, shall be literate to the point that they can read the daily newspaper and write a coherent, structured paragraph. Arithmetic knowledge should be at the point to where the child can make and understand simple monetary transactions used in daily activities such as trading for goods and services.

NATIONS must also create an educational infrastructure where children, upon completion, will have the skills to work in a profession beyond manual labor.

THIS initiative also urges WA nations to educate their children in areas such as language, history, world culture, science, and art.

- This initiative shall establish the World Assembly's Verification of Educational Standards committee or WAVES. WAvES shall consist of an educational representative from every WA nation. This commitee will oversee that these educational standards are met and will be a forum for the exchange of educational ideas.

May this resolution lay down the foundation for the prosperous futures of all World Assembly nations.

The government of the emperor of Urgench still has many reservations about whether this resolution is not a hammer to crack a nut so to speak, it is terribly unsubtle and fails to include any response to the multiplicity of forms of governance and education system within the w.a.
Further to this we have grave reservations that the statement "RECOGNIZING that there is a lack of educational standards across World Assembly nations" is wildly over stating the actual nature of the problem the respected ambassador for Epigeal is seeking to remedy. Where is the evidence that standards are so low "across" the w.a. ?
Our own education system is considered to be extremely good and is significantly better than the one being constructed by this resolution, are we to be forced to lower our standards in order to satisfy this rather meddling statute?
We feel that where education is concerned one size does not fit all.

yours e.t.c.

Further to this we have grave reservations that the statement "RECOGNIZING that there is a lack of educational standards across World Assembly nations" is wildly over stating the actuall nature of the problem the respected ambassador for Epigeal is seeking to remedy. Where is the evidence that standards are so low "across" the w.a. ?

One could, if they were feeling snarky, argue that at least some of the delegates that appear here before the WA are evidence of a problem with low educational standards within WA states. That's not a shot at the esteemed rep from Urgench, who we respect. That's just an observation.

That being said, I can't say that my government favors this. In our opinion, trying to impose some kind of universal education standard is a bit of an overreach.

Jaris Krytellin, Ambassador

The latest revision is actually setting a curriculum and has regressed itself. I don't mean to toot the Glen-Rhodes horn, but you should look at the draft I proposed. It doesn't set curriculum, but mandates that certain areas must be included. It also doesn't set a specific age. We shouldn't be looking to structure each nations' educational system. We should only be trying to regulate it to a set of standards.

I'll highlight some of the strong parts of the Glen-Rhodes proposal:

REALIZING that education promotes economic and social growth,

The World Assembly (WA) shall thus:

- MANDATE that every minor, as defined separately by each member nation, shall be provided a primary education that meets with WA averages,
Here, we've avoided setting a minimum age. Also, there are prosperous nations with no formal educational systems, so we opted to put forth that education promotes social and economic growth.

SUCH a standard for childhood education shall be defined as, at the very least, a primary education that consists of grammar, mathematics, science and literature, and starts at an age deemed appropriate by each separate WA member nation, and ends when the child in question surpasses the qualification of a minor, as deemed appropriate by each separate WA member nation.

FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGING, each separate WA member nation reserves the right to set their own standard above that which is defined in this Act, including, but not limited to, longer primary and secondary education, and more expanded curriculum.
We then go on to reiterate that nations reserve the right to set their own education timelines. Then, we state that nations are free to set higher standards for themselves, reiterating that this act is only a minimal standard.


Dr. Bradford Castro
World Assembly Ambassador
The Commonwealth of Glen Rhodes