Then and now.

In 1955 the three R's were reading, writing and arithmetic.

In 2005 the basics include computer literacy, science literacy, drug education, music, art, kinetic wellness, consumer education, career education, sex education and test-taking skills.

In 1955 education was 99 percent in the hands of the states.

In 2005 there is No Child Left Behind.

In 1955 black and white children went to separate schools.

In 2005 some black and white children go to separate schools.

In 1955 schools were open on Election Day and students observed the process.

In 2005 some schools are closed on Election Day for security reasons.

In 1955 most schools started after Labor Day and ended before Memorial Day.

In 2005 some schools are open year round.

In 1955 schools were closed on Washington's Birthday and Lincoln's Birthday.

In 2005 schools close on a Monday in February called Presidents Day.

In 1955 Martin Luther King Jr. was boycotting buses in Alabama.

In 2005 Alabama schools are closed to celebrate Dr. King's birthday.

In 1955 red and blue were colors.

In 2005 red and blue are emergency code signals.

In 1955 a bully pushed peers around and called them names.

In 2005 a bully sends anonymous e-mails and instant messages.

In 1955 children played outdoors.

In 2005 children have personal trainers.

In 1955 children hid under their desks in case of a Russian atomic attack.

In 2005 children are locked in their classrooms in case of a student attack.

In 1955 children played "Cops and Robbers" and "Cowboys and Indians."

In 2005 children play "Grand Theft Auto" and "Alien vs. Predator."

In 1955 sex education was debated.

In 2005 abstinence and condom use are discussed.

In 1955 many elementary school classrooms served 40 children or more.

In 2005 many elementary school classrooms serve 25 children or fewer.

In 1955 there were libraries.

In 2005 there are media centers.

In 1955 children listened to the radio, talked on the telephone, watched some television and read books.

In 2005 children send instant messages and e-mail, play computer games and video games, watch DVDs, listen to CDs, talk on cell phones with pictures, watch cable television, listen to the radio on the Internet, talk on the phone after seeing caller ID and read books.

In 1955 the principal had a walkie-talkie.

In 2005 the principal has a cell phone, a laptop and a beeper.

In 1955 teachers wore coats and ties, skirts and dresses and dress shoes.

In 2005 teachers wear whatever.

In 1955 women left teaching if they were pregnant.

In 2005 women continue to teach during pregnancy and after childbirth.

In 1955 parents asked whether a field trip was appropriate.

In 2005 parents ask whether it is safe to go on a field trip.

In 1955 teachers were right.

In 2005 parents are right.

In 1955 pro athletes earned more than teachers.

In 2005 pro athletes earn more than most CEOs.

In 1955 there was Ozzie and Harriet.

In 2005 there is Ozzy and Sharon.

In 1995 there were variety shows.

In 2005 there are reality shows.

In 1955 the media reported the news.

In 2005 the media makes the news.

In 1955 a caring teacher, loving parents and a supportive environment were important.

In 2005 a caring teacher, loving parents and a supportive environment are still important.

In 2055 a caring teacher, loving parents and a supportive environment still will be important.

Alan Simon is superintendent of Arlington Heights School District 25, 1200 S. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60005. E-mail: [e-mail]