As the New York Times and a number of other news sources have reported, the students in Chile are making a number of very reasonable demands: more teachers, school construction, a free school bussing system, and the elimination of college entrance examination fees that are hardest on low-income students.

I think the most important thing, though, is how supportive the rest of the Chilean public has been. At it's heart, this movement has been about a combination of quality and equity demands by the students -- and not one or the other. But where certain sections of the Chilean public (read: the wealthiest individuals without children or who already send their kids to nice private schools) might object to the youth demands because of their potentially hefty price tag and lack of individual-benefit, the student movement has seemingly enjoyed widespread support.

Part of this popularity, of course, has stemmed from the misuse of force against some of the student protesters (as young as 12-years-old), which included spraying with tear gas and water, and the beating of some student marchers. Nothing screams "WRONG" like uniformed police officers clubbing young kids who are standing up to call for a better chance to learn and succeed in his world.

Will these kinds of events ever unfold in the United States where, one might plausibly argue, similar inequality exists and where buildings unsuitable for learning & teachers unfit to be teaching can also be found without a powerful searchlight? Only time will tell. But this much is for sure: America's youth -- as well as our adults -- have a great deal to learn from our Chilean friends.

What do you think about what's going on Chile? What can Our Education learn from their experiences? What are the similarities & differences we need to be aware of? Sound off here - we'd love to hear your thougths.