It is no secret that the United States has been falling behind other developed countries in academic achievement. Over the past few decades, it has become apparent that the U.S. lags behind other nations in important subjects such as math, science, and reading. This issue could largely be due to the vast size of the country, and how difficult it is to assure all students receive an equal, standard education. However, in 2009 state school officials and governors created the Common Core State Standards in attempt to standardize education. Although the goals of Common Core are admirable, there are many downsides that have developed as a result of implementation. In the end, it is important to analyze both the advantages and disadvantages of this system to determine Common Core’s overall value.
To begin, the Common Core State Standards were created in attempt to “provide a clear and consistent framework for educators.” According to the Common Core State Standard Initiative website, the Common Core is “a set of high-quality academic standards in mathematics and English language arts/literacy.” These standards outline learning goals for students as they progress throughout the school year and from year-to-year. These standards were meant to ensure that graduating high schoolers would have the same skills and knowledge to succeed regardless of their geographic location. Currently, forty-one states, the District of Columbia, and four territories have all adopted or are moving towards adopting Common Core. Ultimately, these standards were made to address the “uneven patchwork of academic standards,” and have had diverse consequences.
Firstly, proponents of the Common Core Standards have argued that this system has an array of advantages. For instance, the standards of Common Core are internationally benchmarked, meaning that Common Core will allow United States students to be competitive on a global scale. Furthermore, Common Core is said to create “professional consistency.” Because education standards used to vary from state-to-state, teachers would often need to learn new standards when changing jobs. However, Common Core eliminates this transition period. Similarly, Common Core allows transient students to receive a consistent education. Students such as those in a military family are often traveling, and by implementing Common Core, these students will no longer fall behind when moving to schools of different quality or caliber.
Furthermore, there are curriculum-based benefits as well. Common core provides a system in which multiple skills are covered in one package. For instance, Common Core covers, math, problem-solving, reading, and writing. Additionally, Common Core allows for individualized educational opportunities. Common Core standards make it so that teachers can track their individualized progress throughout the year and create customized plans to deal with problem areas. Finally, learning is now based on empirical methods. Students are required to show how they arrived at answers and then be able to properly defend those answers. Ultimately, there are practical advantages to common core.
However, Common Core also provides a multitude of issues. To begin, these standards force teachers to focus on student performance and accountability. For instance, teachers are often graded on the test results their students are able to achieve. This grading can affect their salary or employment even though teachers cannot control which students they will have each year. Furthermore, Common Core causes teachers to teach for testing purposes. Because teachers are forced to produce results, this takes time away from teaching other valuable lessons and skills that might not be tested on. Additionally, Common Core leaves behind students with special needs. Because all students are tested under the same general standards, students with learning disabilities are treated the same as those who are gifted. This eliminates the beneficial individualization of testing that used to be used.
Moreover, the benefits of Common Core are not as promised. Because of vague standards, some states have experienced educational declines. By adapting to Common Coe standards, some states have reduced the quality of their education to conform. Additionally, it has created an unhealthy environment for high stakes testing. In the end, the results of Common Core are not showing fast progress. Between parent pushback and students’ struggling to understand this system, Common Core has not produced the anticipated results.
In the end, it is important to examine both the advantages and disadvantages of a system such as Common Core. However, when a system such as this one can produce so many harmful effects, it must be decided whether or not it should be implemented. Ultimately, the students should be the number one priority of all education legislation, and all policy makers have a duty to consider their consequences.
http://www.corestandards.org/about-the-standards/
http://www.brookings.edu/research/measuring-effects-of-the-common-core/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2012/12/04/common-core-reading-pros-and-cons/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.e5b6ddf5afc8
Today, America prides itself on some of its greatest achievements, such as being the number one military in the world. However, the United States lags behind many other countries when it comes to education. Amongst the 34 other OECD countries, the United States ranks only 17th in math and reading, and a mere 21st in Science. Furthermore, literacy rates for the US only earns it the 24th spot, trailing below average behind most other developed countries. Although there are many issues when it come to the US education system, one of the possible solutions that is brought up is having larger school choice. Some argue that allowing parents to choose the schools their children to attend will increase the overall quality of their education. However, this subject has faced much controversy as there are many draw-backs when it comes to “school-choice.” Ultimately, this topic produces fervent debate among politicians, teachers, and parents alike.
To begin, school choice as a concept is supported by the constitution. Parents do have a right to direct their children’s upbringing in accordance to the values and religious convictions that they hold. This includes the ability to send their students to private schools, religious schools, traditional public schools, or charter schools. As of 2011, 18 states had some form of school choice, and there were 41 states with school choice bills introduced or passed. However, the new movement for “school choice” is different than the original idea, and there is much debate surrounding it. This new program involves vouchers, which are best described by the UPenn Public Policy Initiative:
“A school voucher is a credit given to parents who want to move their child from a public school to a private school of their choosing. Most voucher programs involve moving taxpayers’ money from public schools to private schools. They allow parents to take their child’s’ portion of the per pupil spending of the state and reallocate the funds to private schools.”
Those in support of the movement for vouchers base their argument around many different benefits of these programs. To begin, these school vouchers preserve the parents’ right to choose. The supporters believe that if they are being taxed for education, then they should have a say in what education is provided. This ability to choose is also seen as a “fundamental right.” Furthermore, many argue that vouchers allow lower-income students access to better education. Though private schools are typically only available to the wealthy, the vouchers would make them available to all, and possibly providing a better chance to low-income students. Finally, voucher programs are said to lead to better public schools as a whole. Citing competition between companies that improve products, supporters believe that competition will improve both public and private schools. Some studies have even shown that public schools close to voucher schools have made improvements in test scores and graduation rates. Ultimately, supporters argue that voucher programs benefit society overall.
However, there are many who hold reservations when it comes to voucher programs and list off many possible disadvantages. To begin, dissidents say that voucher programs violate the separation of church and state. Because so many of the private voucher schools have religious education, public money is then going to fund religious education. It is said that this action “fundamentally violates the separation of church and state” by forcing states to support religious education. Additionally, those against these programs state that they simply do not work. Studies of the federally funded DC voucher program found that there was no evidence that these vouchers improved student achievement. Finally, voucher programs can harm already failing public school systems. Taking money away from public schools to allow a few to attend private institutions takes funds away from public schools where it is greatly needed. In the end, dissidents agree that voucher programs are detrimental to the success of public schools and public-school students.
Ultimately, I believe that parents should have a right partially to choose their children’s education. However, putting only a lucky few poor students in private institutions and taking away money from public schools will not improve the education of our youth overall. The problem that needs to be addressed is adequate funding for our public schools so that all students can benefit, not just the rich, or the lucky.
https://publicpolicy.wharton.upenn.edu/live/news/1076-school-vouchers-pros-and-cons
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/socialissues/education/school-choice/school-choice-issue
https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2013/12/american-schools-vs-the-world-expensive-unequal-bad-at-math/281983/
Across the country, the public school systems teach students a second language at some point in their academic career. Many of the common languages include those such as Spanish, French, German, and sometimes even Chinese. In a globalizing world, the ability to communicate with diverse people is a coveted skill. In fact, knowing a second, or third language makes students more desirable to many employers. However, the United States lacks far behind the world when it comes to bilingual or multi-lingual citizens. Unlike Europe, where most know multiple languages, only about 26% of Americans know a second language well-enough to hold a conversation in that language. Because there are benefits to learning a second language, most Americans are proponents of this type of education. However, the question remains when second-language education should start. It is much more beneficial to learn a second-language in earlier years, but others argue that there is not enough time to learn these languages in elementary school, and the education should be pushed back to high-school or even college.
To begin, the benefits of learning a second language starting early are numerous. As most commonly known, when a child learns a language before the age of 13, the child will learn the language without an accent, just like a native speaker. The difficulty that adult and teenage learners face is that it is nearly impossible to not develop an accent. Another benefit is that elementary school children are constantly being introduced to new vocabulary in their first language. This natural process is one that can be transferred to learning a second language. Learning more than one language at the same time has been proven to strengthen grammar rules and understanding of both languages. Furthermore, bilingual children have been proven to be successful in other topics. They have shown skills in thinking more creatively and often see problems from a different perspective and find unique solutions. Just like music education improves math education, language education improves other areas as well. In the end, bilingual children often have more success later on in life when it comes to learning additional languages as well. Ultimately, the benefits of learning a second language early are vast and numerous.
However, the opponents of learning a second language in elementary school and all together cite many limitations as well. Primarily, most opponents of learning a second language in elementary school acknowledge the benefits, but state that it is not possible or necessary because of limitations. To begin, because America is geographically isolated, some feel it is more important to focus on English for elementary students, as they are less likely to need other languages until later in life. Additionally, with the exception of learning Spanish in the states that border Mexico and French in the states that are near French-Speaking Canada, there is little opportunity to practice these languages. Therefore, the knowledge learned in school would be lost easily and time would be wasted. Furthermore, some state that it is a waste to educate students in a second language with a sub-par process. The way that children are taught second-languages in school has not changed and it is ineffective, and therefore it is a waste of time to continue to teach them ineffectively. Finally, some cite the fact that the US is too diverse of a country to spend time trying to educate elementary students on a specific second language. These opponents argue that because the US has been welcoming new immigrants, the job of the elementary school teachers is changing. Now, educators are face with the task of gathering diverse students and languages and attempting to educate them all equally. Integrating these students into one culture is time consuming, and therefore there is no room for learning yet another language and culture; rather, this education should be held off until middle-school or high school. In the end, there are vast reasons in which there is a push-back against learning a second language too early.
Ultimately, there is still a large debate on both sides about whether or not education of a second-language in elementary school is beneficial. The proponents argue that it improves children’s education overall, while opponents state that there is simply not enough time or resources. I believe that the benefits out-weight the costs and all efforts should be made to provide this resource to students at a young age. In the end, school is about forming globally minded citizens and second-language education from an early age is a critical part of this goal.
http://zilkerelem.org/spanish-program/benefits-of-learning-a-second-language-in-elementary-school/
http://news.gallup.com/poll/1825/about-one-four-americans-can-hold-conversation-second-language.aspx
https://www.quora.com/Why-do-American-schools-teach-foreign-languages-after-the-age-where-kids-are-best-at-learning-new-languages
In recent years the total number of college graduates has steadily increased. More and more students are graduating high school and attending either 4-year universities or community college. This number has not increased because, the price of college has decreased; rather, quite the opposite is true. Although the cost of a college education is rising, many students still choose to attend because college has now become the “norm.” By parents, and often teachers, sending their students to college is the only path. However, there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of students attending trade school. Although trade school is much cheaper, there is a new social stigma around learning a trade. Weighing the costs and benefits of a college education versus the cost of a trade school is imperative. There are many arguments that explore both side of this education issue, as well as many proposed solutions, but it is still a point of contention in society.
To begin, the time and money it takes to go to trade school is a large advantage that these types of schools hold over 4-year universities. On average, a bachelor’s degree takes 4 years or more to complete. However, a trade school often only requires typically two years. This saved two years allows young adults to start their career and build experience sooner than later. Furthermore, a bachelor’s degree is much more expensive. A bachelor’s degree in America costs an average of $127,000, while trade school has an average cost of closer to $33,000. This can save students from massive amounts of debt and put them in better positions when it comes to buying a house and starting a family.
Choosing trade school over a university offers other wide variety of advantages as well. Most programs that trade schools offer are high in demand because fewer students are choosing to attend a train school. Additionally, trade schools are often much smaller than universities, and they can create a more personalized experience. According to Rockford Career college, “With smaller classes, professors are able to give one-on-one attention that each student deserves.” Another advantage that trade schools possess is that students receive job experience while still learning. Trade schools provide more hands-on education than just what exists in a classroom environment at a university. Finally, trade schools offer another unique advantage over universities. When it comes to college, classes start only at specific times in the year, typically fall and spring. However, many trade schools have rolling applications and students can begin classes at any point in the year. Some trade schools even offer classes beginning every 10 weeks. In the end, there a wide variety of reasons that a student would choose a trade school education over a college education.
However, a college education can provide students with many other advantages that a trade school simply cannot provide. On average, college graduates earn much more than high school or grade school graduates. A bachelor’s degree is a requirement for many higher paying jobs available in the United States. Aside from simply earning more, college graduates have a much lower rate of poverty and unemployment. This is often the case because a college degree can offer more job security than a trade. Furthermore, because the trend in the United States is moving towards everyone having a college education, more jobs are beginning to require a bachelor’s degree. In fact, compared to earlier generations, Millennials with only a high school diploma are suffering more economically. Furthermore, college allows students to pursue more diverse interests than trade schools. While earning a bachelor’s degree, most universities require students to complete a certain amount of general education courses. This broadens students’ horizons in comparison to trade schools where students often only study what they need for their career. In the end, there are innumerable reasons to consider a college education over a trade.
Situations like the one above with many advantages and disadvantages for each side, force the actual solution to be considered by a case by case basis. For many students, a trade is more than sufficient to be successful in their career. However, when aspiring to be a lawyer or a similar career, students are required to receive more education. In the end, students and parents must weigh all of the options when considering the future. Everyone has a different situation and therefore the best path is unique for every individual. In the end, trade school and college are essential parts of education in the US to continue the functioning of society.
http://www.edsmart.org/7-benefits-of-college-degree/
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/cp/national/college-applications/one-students-calculation-college-vs-trade-school
http://www.rockfordcareercollege.edu/blog/8-benefits-going-trade-school
In the education system there is constant controversy surrounding standardized testing. Many educators and outside observers take the view that it is a necessary part of education. These people believe that having a “standard” or average is important for the society to function as a whole. This is an idea that dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. However, there has recently been an overwhelming push for more and more testing. The number of tests administered has augmented vastly, not only in high school students, but in middle and elementary schools, students are subject to sometimes dozens of different tests in one year. There are many educators that say that this amount of standardized testing has an adverse effect on students, and there are even others that state that standardized tests are not only harmful but ineffective. Ultimately, something so seemingly is often a polarizing issue that dates back many generations.
So where did standardized testing start? As previously stated there were rudimentary examples of standardized tests in ancient Greece and Rome. However, these were very different than today and mostly focused on what we would call the equivalent to college entrance exams or regular college assessments. Moving forward, the idea of standardized testing was lost for many generations, possibly because of the instability of many countries that would be able to provide an education system in which a standardized test would be appropriate. However, the story of standardized tests picks up centuries later for the United States in the early 1800’s. Prior to the civil war many school teachers were already beginning to express and interest in having a “formal assessment of student achievement.” For many years following there were various insignificant versions what could be classified as standardized testing. However, it was not until French psychologist Alfred Binet began developing a standardized test of intelligence in 1905 that the idea actually came to fruition. Binet’s work would eventually be incorporated into a version of the modern IQ test and universities soon began requiring these entrance exams. Eventually Iowa was the first state to introduce standardized testing for high school students and the idea spread fervently from there. Today there are mass amounts of testing at all ages, not just for high school students (National education Association).
However, what do the proponents of standardized testing argue? Their ideology is based on three key components: Objectivity, comparability, and accountability. To begin, standardized tests are designed to be objective measures. They are meant to assess students on an equal basis under nearly identical testing conditions. This is meant to introduce and bias or an inflation or deflation of grades for a multitude of reasons. The comparability is important because it would be very difficult otherwise to compare student achievement. This is important to measure how students are doing in comparison to other students in their age group. This way, extra help or enrichment can be given to low and high achieving students respectively. Additionally, comparability is important to parents because while “school-shopping” the quality of education that their students will be getting can be measured by standardized testing. Finally, accountability for schools’ academic performance can really only be measured by standardized tests, and this is the only way that improvement can be made (Fordham Institute).
On the opposing side of the argument, many argue that there are detrimental effects when it comes to standardized over-testing. The two basic arguments against standardized testing are that the tests are not necessary, and that even if they were effective, the costs associated with standardized tests is too high. To begin, standardized tests rarely tell what cannot already be communicated by teachers. Teachers can already point out the students who need extra help and those who would benefit from enrichment. On the other hand, the cost associated with standardized testing is harmful. Because of performance requirements placed on teachers, they tend to “teach to the test”; rather, they only teach what they believe a standardized test will contain. This means that students are losing out on learning all of the skills necessary for functioning in society. Furthermore, performing well on standardized tests puts massive stress on students and has been known to contribute to mental health issues. In the end, the costs are too high and the tests are too ineffective (Education Week).
From my perspective, only very small basic assessments of skills like basic math computation and literacy are important to show those outsides of the education system tangible evidence of how well or how poorly a school is doing. However, any more than these simple tests would be wastefully inefficient and detrimental to the purpose of education as a whole, which is simply to produce well-functioning members of society.
https://edexcellence.net/articles/bless-the-tests-three-reasons-for-standardized-testing
http://www.nea.org/home/66139.htm
https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2014/07/09/36jouriles.h33.html
For my civic issue category, I am choosing to discuss the area of education. The theme of my blog will be discussing the roles and responsibilities of a modern education. I hope to explore themes related from elementary all the way up to the collegiate level, but I am going to maintain focus on the responsibility that the modern education system has to help and prepare students. I hope to discuss issues such as standardized testing and explore if it is responsible to so heavily test students and put so much emphasis on those tests. Additionally, I want discuss whether or not the modern public school system should educate students on topics like bullying and diversity. Furthermore, another topic that can be explored is whether or not a modern education is responsible to include a college or technical education as well. There are an additional number of topics that can be explored when it comes to what a modern education system should include and provide for students. In an ever changing world, students and citizens alike require a new set of tools to be prepared to be contributing and active members of society. The question remains however, how much responsibility is on the education system to provide students with these tools. Ultimately, with heavy criticism and sometimes controversy surrounding the way the modern education system is run. By discussing and exploring these topics hopefully some insight and possibly resolution can be found for the civic issue of the role of a modern education.