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Who is most responsible for the problems facing public schools and institutions of higher learning?
An Education system may be defined as a system of learning. In the United States, education is provided by various institutions such as public schools, private schools, colleges and universities. Public schools and colleges are run on funding from the state or federal government (New America Foundation, 2013). Private schools function on independent financing. They determine their own policies and curriculum. Regional accreditation authorities provide accreditation on a voluntary basis (nces.ed.gov).
The education system of America has often been the subject of criticism. Increasing dropouts, declining graduation rates, juvenile crimes are some of the negative outcomes seen from the education system. In this paper, we examine the problems in the education system and determine who is responsible for these problems. We first describe the system of education and the stake holders. We then identify the problems and determine who is responsible for these problems. In conclusion, we sum up our findings and suggest ways for resolving the problems faced by the education system. Our focus is particularly on problems faced by public schools and institutions of higher education.
Most of the problems facing the education system in America can be tracked down to finances. The major players in this financial crisis and related problems facing the education system are the school authorities and the federal and state governments. Another causative factor is the increasing diversity and the varying economic status of the students. Right to Education also plays a part.
According to Benjamin Barber of the Harper’s Magazine (1993), “More than 90 million adult Americans lacked simple literacy”. This observation is based on a DOE (Department of Education) report issued on 8th September 1993 on adult literacy and numeracy in America. Children in America carry guns to school. Juvenile arrests are on the rise. School dropouts are increasing every year. Many of these dropouts are arrested for various crimes, and imprisoned (Barber, 1993). This is the current state of education in America.
Another facet to the downward trend of the education system is the perspective of the teaching faculty. The teaching staff or teachers are probably the lowest paid professionals in America. Even compared to their counterparts in other countries, American teachers are poorly paid (Barber, 1993). Barber presents a third aspect of the education system. He contends that no action is being taken by those responsible, to improve the situation. According to Barber (1993), “for all the astonishing statistics, more astonishing still is that no one seems to be listening.”. He reports that the National Commission on Excellence in Education had issued a warning that the rising mediocrity was impeding the future of the nation. The commission, according to Barber (1993) described the failing of the education system as an “act of war” (Barber, 1993).
Dorine Bethea (2014), reports that funding is becoming a serious problem for community colleges. Schools are relying more and more on scholarships, seeking help from foundations, and partnering with business organizations for finance. The financial crisis has let institutions to reconsider their resources. The challenge of funding colleges is giving rise to business opportunities. Budget cuts are forcing colleges to increase tuition fees. Students from low economic groups cannot afford these fees. This gives rise to the need for more funding and scholarship sponsors. Student drop outs increase because of high tuition fees. As tuition fees in the richer colleges rise, more and more students turn to community colleges for education. More funding is required to accommodate the increased number of students and provide faculty and other administrative support (Bethea 2014), Thus public schools and community colleges alike are facing a severe financial crisis.
A change in the education system has now become imperative. The questions that need to be answered are who can or should bring about this change? Who can be held responsible for all the problems? To answer these questions we must first look at what needs to be done. The first step is to draw up a plan for change. The plan must address all areas –administrative, teaching, and regulation - simultaneously. Responsibilities must be determined and benchmarks set for achievement of goals. The areas that need to be addressed are: (1) upgrading the standards, particularly in Math and English; (2) revising the curriculum to adapt to the needs of a diverse student body; (3) revising the regulations that govern the education industry; improve accountability; (4) establish a system of measuring performance of the schools, colleges and other institutions; and finally, (5) devise a system of education that can reduce the economic gap between educational institutions. These actions can be implemented through the co-operative effort of the educational institutions and the state and federal governments (NGA, 2008).
Since learning outcome is the responsibility of the state, the state government will play a major role in the plan for change. Benchmarking is not only about quantitative measures. It is also qualitative. According to the NGA (2008) report, the Federal government must take steps to provide additional funding to states for taking necessary action as outlined above. They should also provide resources to enable the state governments to gather information and conduct further research in the best educational practices. The federal government allows the states flexibility in use of funds, and meeting of goals. That is not to say that the goals need not be met, but that a wider margin of time must be allowed. This will give the states time to adapt to the new framework. Federal laws regarding education should be altered to adapt to the research outcomes and new practices of education.
Ever since the recession, the education system has been facing setbacks and problems. Inclusive education, right to education and such other regulations put pressure on educational institutions to improve their performance and results. On the other hand, the number of juvenile delinquents is increasing. College and school dropouts are high. In this scenario, public schools and community colleges are the worst affected. As educational costs rise, more and more students turn to public schools and community colleges. These schools and colleges are also the only option for students from low income groups. Public schools and colleges are government funded. After the recession, the funds have reduced while demands are ever increasing. The gap is widening and students are being negatively affected by this gap. In an effort to understand the reasons behind this gap and identify those responsible for the problems facing the public schools and colleges, we conducted a meta-study on the subject. We found that if the colleges and schools receive better information, support and flexibility from the state and federal governments, the progress of the education system can be accelerated. The security and prosperity of the students of America can be ensured.
References
Barber (1993). America Skips School: Why We Talk So Much about Education and Do So Little. https://files.nyu.edu/gmp1/public/barber.htm
Dorine Bethea (2014); Community Colleges Explore Creative Approaches to Counter Budget Cuts; http://diverseeducation.com/article/59943/#
Ensuring U.S. Students Receive a World-Class Education A report by the National Governors Association; the Council of Chief State School Officers, and Achieve, Inc. Copyright 2008, NGA, CCSSO, and Achieve. Copies of this publication are available from http://www.nga.org
nces.ed.gov http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/tables/table_whs_01.asp
New America Foundation (2013); "School Finance"; Federal Education Budget Project; Retrieved 21 May 2013 Retrieved From http://febp.newamerica.net/background-analysis/school-finance
NGA National Governors Association (2008); Benchmarking for Success:
