Question one
The question on whether public schools should be reformed or not remain a subject of discussion. Many people hold diverge views on this matter; an idea that evokes a heated debate among scholars, educationalists, and curriculum developments. Despite difference in ideas and opinions about this issue, it is imperative to appreciate the fact that public school system needs reform in order to improve quality of education, nurture and develop diverse skills and talents, embrace cultural diversity and reduce unemployment rate.
As it stands out today, more than fifty million students are in public schools and six million are in private schools. Based on this fact, it is true to state that most of the employees working in private and public sectors learnt in public schools. This depicts that public school system contribute immensely in national development by producing qualified and skilled graduates annually.
The American government needs to reform public school system so that to compete effectively with the rest of the world. Today, technology remains an imperative factor that facilitates economic development. This infers that countries with advanced technology will continue to expand their economy and compete effectively in the international trade affairs. Therefore, reforming public school system will improve quality of education and help the country develop sophisticated technology geared towards improving peoples’ standard of living. Additionally, offering quality education in public schools will reduce unemployment rate because many youths will be absorbed in the job market.
It has been established that many students in public schools score poorly in standardized tests compared to their counterparts in private schools. This is a clear indication the government need to reform public school system so that to improve test scores and maintain a balance between public school and private school academic performance. This aspect will enable students from both systems secure decent jobs and advance their careers.
Establishment of magnet schools: This involves establishment of public schools that specialized in science and mathematics, humanities, and business and in other disciplines. This move will help in producing expertise in different fields; an idea that will boost economic development in the country.
Establishment of charter schools: Although many people oppose this policy but, establishment of charter schools will help in improving quality of education and reduce government involvement. Charter school will be owned by communities; an idea that will enable members of the community to contribute in school management and development. Communities will work hard to ensure chartered school attains its mission, goals and objectives and compete effectively.
The move to increase school vouchers will be a bad reform in public schools system. This move will disrupt smooth learning process in schools thus lowering students’ academic performance. Additionally, this move will also affect regional balance in terms of academic performance because parents will prefer taking their children in performing schools located in main towns and cities.
Question Two
The state government should have more say than the federal government in educational matters. This is because state governments are responsible for formulating and implementing educational policies. Additionally, state governments contribute more money than federal government in educational budget.
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 abbreviated as (NCLB) and Top to Race are two educational policies aimed at improving quality of education in America. In his first term in office, President George W. Bush enacted No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 as one of his comprehensive reforms in the education sector. The act primarily focused on improving tests measures and ensuring that most children were able to read and write at grade three. Enacting this act has played a vital role in streamlining the education sector and improving quality of education. Additionally, NCLB Act compelled school management to work towards achieving school goals, mission, and objectives; an idea that improved academic performance.
Race to Top is a contest established by President Obama with the aim of boosting innovation and advocating for reforms in the education system. States that succeed in implementing educational policies, foster for privatization of education, creation of charter schools and meet international standards in education receive awards. This move has enabled learning institutions formulate competitive policies that meet the international standards. In a similar vein, schools have adapted use of added- value model thus improving quality of education. I believe that the federal government should continue implementing these two policies because it will help in reforming the education sector.
