America, once seen as a beacon of educational opportunities, has been facing backlash for over a decade. It is time we take a closer look at why the topic is getting so hot. Here are a few issues that prevent America from getting a truly effective education system for young students:
Standardized testing
One of the biggest flaws in the system is the overemphasis on the importance of these tests. Students are taught “to test”, meaning kids are taught to memorize certain topics, throw it up on a test, and then forget it all to make room for the next one. Memorization and test-taking strategies are more important in the system than genuinely understanding the subject. Standardized tests kill the idea of critical thinking and creativity, limiting children’s abilities to develop in a reasonable atmosphere. So, just bring your No. 2 pencil and a bucket of tears.
Preparing students for the real world
Once we graduate high school, we are meant to go out into the world and succeed, when we are left clueless about it. Students leave home to become adults but are never taught what to do to be a real adult. We need to learn about real life and things that will benefit our futures. How’s your tax season going? What about the terms of that last student loan? Can you name one step in buying a house? How about a mortgage? Deductibles? Life insurance? Building credit? And can you describe to me how to do all that while also managing your mental health? I guess you just Google it.
Supporting the teachers
Words cannot describe how much respect I have for teachers. We have all heard, “Don’t be a teacher; they don’t get paid anything.” As students, why are we taught that the very people who devote their lives to helping us succeed are not valued? With poor wages and weak supplies, teachers are unable to give the children of this country their true potential. Put education back in the hands of teachers. The government needs to step back and let teachers teach the way that works best for that environment. While they do that, add a little more to the teachers’ paychecks. Maybe take it from the payments for the eight NFL stadiums built in the past 10 years. We get it; you can throw a ball, but you don’t help shape us into the people we become.
Making school a less stressful environment
The American school system has caused students to be more worried about grades and test scores than anything else. People think that’s what makes a good student. Bad grades mean you’re a bad student and you need to try harder. GPA should not measure how well a student’s ability to learn is. At such young ages, students are getting anxiety and depression; they do not want to go to school, learn or even live. Stress in school has caused students to want to put less effort into learning; if you do not make straight A’s, then your life is ruined, and you will never be successful. Yes, what a fantastic way to instruct children.
I am thankful for the education I have received over the past 16 years, but these reasons are long-standing issues. The United States is a big country with a large population, so many people are at stake here. The education system can make improvements in so many areas, improvements that can help shape this country into something better. I hope one day society can transform America’s education system into something more flexible, equitable, and enjoyable.
Presley Zimmerman can be reached at [email protected]