“He who pays the Piper calls the tune” (Urban Experience 247). This statement speaks to one of the major causes of the problem we witness today in the educational system here in the US. Money determines a large majority of the educational decisions made in today’s world. Teacher’s salary, books and supplies, and programs offered are all aspects of finical expenditures that ultimately impact the students of our countries educational system. “Education is a money problem …. but its not just a money problem” (Clinton, Waiting for Superman). This is a perfect way to say that a lack of funding is being put towards improving the education system, but the educational system produces problems beyond financial. The children that are placed in the failing system are the future of our nation. With out improvements to the way that we implement the institution of education, many of the children of this country will be lost with no future. In the reading Wilson's Truly Disadvantaged, it gave a great example of how education has impacts beyond the classroom. With the fight for civil rights equality and preferential treatment policies have been created to 'even the playing field' so to speak. However, no matter what number of positions are available or what hiring practices are in place, individuals that are not educated or trained will not have the opportunity to compete for those position. This all starts because of a lack of opportunity to gain the education necessary for the career needs.
Changing the educational system doesn't have a cut and dry solution. The paradigms that have been set for education in the US have lead us down a road similar to an industrial plant. Producing Two types of individuals; educated professionals and uneducated workers (RSA -Animate). I feel that we will continue to loss some of the brightest and innovative people of this country if the paradigms do not change. One of the major factors that make creating a change of this size possible is the involvement of government. With the implementation of standardized testing and centralized educational systems, it is very difficult to break away from the 'old world' train of thought . I feel that a decentralized educational system is not the answer to solving the problem. However, why does having a centralized government administrated system have to equal 'same'? Is it possible for the government to allow local school systems to evaluate the different learning styles and behaviors of children, and develop educational programs based on this information? Could the government evaluate these suggested programs and create minimums for each program type?
I completely agree with your emphasis on education and how important it is for the success of our nation as a whole. I focused my attention for this week on poverty and I am (and have been) convinced that the only way to break the cycle or “culture of poverty” is through education. The problem is that this education has to be delivered formally and informally. Kids simply do not spend enough time in the classroom to make all the difference. Continued support outside of school in the form of a parent, coach, or other role model is crucial.
ReplyDeleteI think it is very often forgot how much learning goes on outside of the classroom. These movies and videos, I think, do a great job of reminding us all of just how important family life truly is. I think it is important to remember that even though students are all getting the same education at school they all go home to completely different situations. There would need to be a complete overhaul in education for anything anything to change.
ReplyDeleteI agree as well with the "its not just a money problem" quote. The education of children today is heavily affected by the money that they receive to be able to educate them. And due to the failing economy, some have no choice. Which is sad.
ReplyDeleteThe issue with education is not just a money problem, it is a involvement problem. Through my experiences with public education, I know my parents pushed me to get good grades as well as checked my work and made sure I was staying on time. I went to a good school but there was several kids who failed and lacked drive. Several parents lack that as well, they treat school as a form of childcare, the kids go off to school and they go to work. In order for the school system to be fixed its needs everything you said above as well as ALL parent involvement not just the noisy ones. Good post!
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