Posted by For years, reports have highlighted the ongoing decline of the American education system. While the lower test scores in schools across the nation, particularly in inner-city schools, are concerning, what is even more alarming is the drop in the ranking of American children compared to their peers in other countries. In this article, we’ll talk about why the education system in America needs to be updated.
To maintain a leading position in technological innovation and sustain progress in productivity, crucial for elevating living standards, a well-educated population is mandatory for any country. However, the most pivotal reason for prioritizing education is the responsibility of the populace in upholding the republic’s continuity. It is their collective judgment and capacity to discern optimal policies that ultimately ensure the effectiveness of democracy.
Fixing elementary education is a big issue in America, and many groups talk about it. They share lots of opinions on what causes the education problem and suggest different solutions. But when you look closely, it seems like the student’s needs aren’t a top priority in solving the education crisis.
According to James E. Razzino, author of Common Sense, politicians talk a lot about their special programs to make education better. They give these programs catchy names like “No Child Left Behind.” But, in reality, it feels like we’re watching the same old story again. A new person gets elected, more money is spent, and funds are moved around. After a few years, things don’t get better – they actually get worse. Schools keep failing the kids.
Meanwhile, educators recognize various learning styles in children, whether influenced by culture or cognition. Some kids learn better visually, while others benefit more from auditory methods. These distinctions are now termed learning differences. Unfortunately, many students in both public and private schools are not identified and treated for these differences until their academic or behavioral struggles become evident. Often, these issues are misdiagnosed as behavioral problems and may lead to the prescription of medications like Ritalin by psychologists or psychiatrists. This approach raises concerns as it doesn’t address the root cause of the learning difficulties but rather attempts to manage the symptoms with drugs. This further increases the child’s frustration and develops in them a negative attitude towards education.
Only in the United States do we handle children’s behavioral issues with medication; no other country resorts to this approach. Is it the influence of Big Pharma, ineffective doctors, or unqualified teachers? Or could this be part of a broader plan to undermine K-12 education and push these children towards a future of underachievement and poverty?
On the other hand, if we consider the importance of playtime, under pressure to boost national test scores, American educators have altered the school day, intensifying childhood stress and cutting back on arts, physical education, and nearly all playtime. It’s no wonder children dislike school.
So, what can be done?
Regrettably, when tackling an issue, one must face the facts, no matter how unpleasant they may be. In this instance, when we look at the facts, we’ll come to the conclusion that public education in the United States is a failure.
According to James E. Razzino, each child should be provided an education voucher, so the playing field for educational possibilities becomes level for poor, middle-class, and wealthy students. Parents should be not only able but encouraged, to take their business to an organization that can educate their children — public, private, or religious. No government, no huge unions, and no massive administrative complex in the cities.
A good place for parents and educators to begin with children is to highlight the effects of not having a skill or profession achieved by additional education or training.
This is the toughest time for young men or women because they need to find their way into a place that is willing to pay them a livable wage and offer career advancement with experience and education to increase their standard of living.
When 75 percent of a school budget goes to pay salaries of administrators and teachers, the impact on the local economy is obvious and fodder for politicians’ campaign speeches. However, very little money is left over for actual education. Once again, the children’s educational needs are trumped by the needs of the adults.
For more insight about the problems that exist in America and what can be done to solve them, read James E. Razzino’s book, Common Sense, available on Amazon. The book encourages critical thinking and discussion around the presented facts and perspectives on various topics like education, healthcare, politics, etc.
Grab a copy today!