Author: Rebecca

 

People as a Country

For our last civic issue blog, I wanted to discuss what are the best education systems in the world. I was also curious about the reasoning behind the country’s ranking.

Discussing how they selected the best countries for education, William Russell explains, “Each student was administered tests in math, science, and reading similar to the SAT or ACT exams. These exam scores were later compiled to determine each country’s average score for each of the three subjects. Based on this study, China received the highest scores, followed by Korea, Finland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Australia, and the Netherlands”. Test scores are only a portion of the scoring used to rank the countries. So don’t worry, the U.S is still number one.

The WorldPopulationReveiw ranks the U.S education system at the top. They comment on this decision, “Ironically, despite the United States having the best-surveyed education system on the globe, U.S students consistently score lower in math and science than students from many other countries. Discussions about why the United States’ education rankings have fallen by international standards over the past three decades frequently point out that government spending on education has failed to keep up with inflation”. It seems the U.S is ranked at the top, yet if our government fails to keep up with the cost of education, we may not hold that spot for long.

Map of U.S

Another source, William Russell, also ranks the U.S school system at the top. Their reasoning was “Being one of the world’s biggest spenders in education, America produces many modern-day CEOs, academics, and artists. America places a strong emphasis on science, business, and technology and, as such, ranks 7th for reading comprehension and 10th for science. Unfortunately, math lets the USA down. The USA is home to five of the top 10 universities in the world (MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Caltech, and Chicago), plus another 23 in the top 100, making it one of the best countries for higher education.” It seems that the American value of education and our focus areas give us a competitive advantage.

New Zealand was another top country to make the list. “New Zealand is in the best in the world for reading comprehension and science, and in the top 20 for mathematics. In fact, academic performance is so high in New Zealand that it also has the 8th best completion rate for secondary education. New Zealand has high education spending. They keep class sizes among the smallest in the world, while also keeping teachers’ salaries above average” (William Russell). With small class sizes and well-compensated teachers, it is no wonder New Zealand’s educational system helps students succeed.

Next on the list is Ireland. “Ireland comes a respectable 14th in the world for mathematics and 18th for science, but its reading comprehension is ranked second in the whole world. And, while class sizes in Ireland are on the larger side, Irish teachers benefit from some of the highest salaries in the world” (William Russell). Contradicting New Zealand’s small class sizes, Ireland still values its teachers, and it pays off. It seems that a trend of valuing teachers leads to better success in the classroom.

Ireland Map

Ireland is followed by Germany. “With the highest proportion of college graduates, Germany produces some of the world’s best-educated people. Germany spends big on education, and this is reflected in its beautifully-designed school buildings and its top-of-the-range facilities. Class sizes in Germany are typically fairly small and teachers are treated like royalty, receiving the second-highest teaching salaries in the world. Germany misses out on the top 10 spots for all metrics of secondary performance, coming 12th for science, 13th for reading, and 15th for mathematics. Germany also sees a high drop-out rate, with only around three-quarters of people completing secondary education” (William Russell). Germany made my head scratch. It produces the highest portion of college graduates, yet this country has a big dropout rate. I doubt Germany will be able to keep its top ranking for long.

There were some honorable mentions. Poland ranks high in test scores and requires education until 18 years of age. Another high-ranking country is Canada. Here, test scores are high, teachers are among the top paid, and the points-based system prioritizes university graduates, which persuades many Canadian students to continue their education. There is also South Korea, which is obsessed with education. With top scores, students are extremely competitive. South Korea is home to the world’s most educated population. Japan is very similar to South Korea. In this country, there are private evening schools many students attend to practice for tests.

Overall, there were some major repeating themes among the top countries for education. First, test scores give major weight. In a time period where the pandemic has made many of us question if we should get rid of testing, it seems contradictory since it has a high value in the ratings. Second, the best countries have the highest-paid and well-respected teachers. Who knew that letting teachers take charge of the classroom and treating them well would help students succeed. In the end, it seems that countries that value education the most have the highest ranking.

Students from many different backgrounds Image

Attending an international school is a unique option for students. It can either be a private school or a boarding school depending on the program. There are many great aspects of this type of education along with some drawbacks.

There is a myriad of benefits. International students may meet other students who are from the same place and connect. This can be extremely wonderful if the student is stressed about moving to a new country. This will lead to the student will having a better time adjusting. Not only will they meet students from the same place as them, but they will also meet students from all over the world. International schools truly are a global community.

Students also have the opportunity for the international school community to be fluent in their native language. Many international schools stress learning multiple languages. Additionally, students may get the chance to engage in the local culture – becoming emersed in the local language. This learning paired with the global perspective instilled into international students prepares them for an amazing future after graduation. They will be a top-tier application applying for college and/or a career.

Speaking of post-graduation, the academic curriculum is usually accepted by universities around the world. This is especially helpful if you may move again – their credits will transfer and be accepted nearly anywhere. In addition to having an impressive comprehension of cultures and multiple languages, the global mindset and universal values students learn aids them in getting accepted by top colleges and businesses. International schools additionally prepare students for international careers. 

World Schools explain how “volunteering, community service, and international field trip opportunities” are unique to international schools. There are numerous extracurricular for all students. These options offered by international schools are not offered anywhere else. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students.

World Schools additionally dive into how “academic excellence is at the heart of any great international school. They offer smaller class sizes and create the environment that can attract and retain the best teachers in the world, by offering professional development opportunities and a global network for teachers to share best practices”. It is clear that international schools are ahead of the game – with a unique program that corporates the best practices from around the globe.

Although these benefits certainly portray international schools in a positive light, there are some concerns. International schools are not for everyone. This is especially true when factoring in the drawbacks.

International school cost is extremely high. According to International Schools Global, the price can range from $2,000 to $30,000 depending on which country the international school is in. That is the price of tuition. Of course, if you are interested in an international boarding school, the price would be a lot more – factoring in room and board and meal plans.

Price Chart

To continue, the student will not be as immersed in the new culture as much if they attend an international school vs a local school. This may lead to them not learning the local language and embracing the complete experience of living in a new country. Additionally, while the transition may be harder without attending an international school, students usually learn the local culture quicker. Attending an international school may slow down the pace at which the student learns the way of life in that country.

Moreover, there can be a sense of isolation from the outside world. Since international schools may also be considered private schools, sometimes students can be perceived as elitist and rich. This paired with homesickness can be a devastating combination. This could be even worse if the student is already experiencing difficulties with moving away from home – not processing moving to a new country.

Overall, I think international schools may be a wonderful choice for families moving to a new country. This is also a great choice for parents who move frequently, as the international school model is universally accepted. Although, I would caution against international boarding schools as isolation may be a detrimental factor. Of course not choosing to attend an international school is the best option for some families – whether it is due to the cost or because you want your student to become emersed in the local culture.

A mom teaching her daughter

Today we are talking about one of the more controversial schooling methods: homeschool.

Parents who opt to homeschool their children should know that it is a major lifestyle change. Parents will need to implement lessons, activities, and comply with government regulations. Implementation of lessons looks different at different ages. Usually, parents of young students need to give more support than parents of older students. Of course, the flexibility of creating your child’s individual schedule is one of the best parts of homeschooling. 

One benefit of homeschooling is tailored learning. In this way, students are moving at their own pace. They are not waiting on other students or falling behind. This is evident by the fact that homeschooled students move through materials at a faster pace.

Learning Styles

Additionally, homeschooling lets parents teach their children in a fun way. With tailored learning, parents love being able to teach in a way that their student best learns. Many people swear by learning styles. Top Hat defines learning styles as “the way that different students learn. A style of learning refers to an individual’s preferred way to absorb, process, comprehend and retain information. The four key learning styles are: visual, auditory, tactile and kinaesthetic”. Although it is important to note that no studies prove this method. There is no evidence that students have different learning styles. But still, many teachers and parents firmly believe in this.

Another benefit is the ability to implement values into the learning curriculum. For example, many parents who homeschool include religious learning as part of their teachings. According to  Vlinch “the percentage of students whose parents reported homeschooling to provide religious or moral instruction is 83% percent”.

Calverteducation Highlights the major differences between homeschool students and public school students. “on average, homeschoolers participate more in their community, are less sedentary, and socialize with a wider mix of adults (especially professionals) than their public school counterparts. As part of its flexible nature and focus on one-on-one / personalized learning, homeschooling involves more field trips, real-life experiences, and hands-on learning. When it comes to sports, homeschoolers often participate in recreational leagues or homeschool sports classes offered in their community. Some students are homeschooled because their athletic or artistic talents have them engaged in sports and activities at a higher level”.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks. Time commitment is a barrier for many parents. Balancing a career while teaching your children can create added stress. Some families thrive by homeschooling their children, but it is a time commitment and potentially could lead to loss of income if one can’t find the time for both work and schooling. 

Another problem to deal with is the necessary social time. Everyone needs time with family, time with friends, and time alone. With the students not attending a public school, they are missing out on the time to socialize and collaborate with their same-age peers. Some homeschool families meet up with other homeschool families to take field trips together. This does give social time but does not give real-time for collaboration. Considering that students will be home all the time, parents also lose some alone time. Creating plans for the students to leave the house is a must.

Bullying

One big debate is whether homeschool students lack social skills. Without peers, many of these students never face bullying or peer pressure. This carries over to the classroom. It is no secret that parents love their children. However, teachers are more likely to be impartial to students – not having favorites. The classroom can mirror a future workplace, teaching students invaluable lessons. After all, many parents opt to homeschool so their children’s values are not influenced by the school.

Homeschool families still pay taxes. It is important to consider the additional expenses of this type of schooling. Textbooks, curriculum, paper, art supplies, computers, field trips, and/or online programs cost money. In addition, you need to pay for a homeschool supervisor to check your child’s work before submitting it at the end of the year for approval. 

While homeschoolers sometimes have the option to engage in school activities if the school permits this. These students can be involved in musicals, clubs, and sports. However, homeschoolers lack recognition at events outside of family recognition. For example, they usually do not receive awards or attend school celebrations for certain accomplishments like attendance, awards, and honors banquets. In addition, homeschoolers do not walk in graduation ceremonies. 

In conclusion, many parents see this option as the best way to go. If their child excels at a certain talent whether it be sports, arts, or music, homeschooling allows students the flexibility to learn around their practice schedule. If the family wants students to be taught religion along with the traditional curriculum, this option can also be a winner. This schooling option can be very rewarding for many families. However, it is a dramatic change and may not work for some students.

Boarding School Campus Image

Boarding schools are like college, but for primary education (elementary, middle, and high school students). Students live on campus during the school year with other students and sometimes teachers. Some boarding schools let students commute. Boarding schools are common in the West, but less popular in the East. Additionally, the West usually takes on students for up to twelve years whereas in the East, students are mostly in high school when they make the shift to boarding school. Many are associated with elite education reserved for the richest families in the world. Yet, others serve as orphanages to take care of students that are deemed to be problematic.

Let’s start with the advantages of boarding school. Embracing the holistic approach to learning outside of the classroom separates these students from public school students. With campus life being the center of the student experience, learning extends beyond classroom walls. Since boarding schools are a close-knit community, students can expect to make lifelong friends and be friends with nearly everyone at the school (depending on size of course). Everyone there attends for educational reasons, so all students will share that value. Moreover, elite boarding schools may offer unique networking opportunities between for students.

Speaking of a campus environment, boarding schools are known to have superior academic development and promote collaboration between students. In addition, many offer unique social and personal development opportunities for students. Some boarding schools include international students. Intensive international programs foster a global perspective and environment. This enhances student understanding of other cultures and promotes global citizenship.

As we all know as college students, living away from home makes us self-reliant. Independence from our families will shape us into the adults we become. With that being said, I, like many students, had to adjust to campus life and living on my own. I cannot imagine how students younger than myself can handle the stress of academics along with living on their own. However, they will be prepared to become independent adults upon graduating.

The first main drawback of boarding school is the price tag. If you thought private school was expensive, it pales in comparison. According to Randolph-Macon Academy, “The average boarding school tuition for a U.S. citizen is $56,875 per year.” Lets just consider how  “The median household income in the United States was $68,703” (Balance). The price of boarding school is almost ten thousand dollars less than the median income in the US. It is clear that boarding schools are reserved for the upper class.

I already discussed in my last blog about how private school costs can limit diversity as low socioeconomic students cannot afford to attend. The price of private schools is “$11,901 per year in 2022” (Private School Review). Boarding school is five times as expensive as private school. I could spend all day lecturing about the importance of diversity, but one of the main reasons it is so important is to gain different students’ perspectives. Knowing that we have far more in common with other people is part of the value of representation. Separating socioeconomic upper class students from minorities and low income students only expands on the great divide created by our ancestors. The lack of inclusion in boarding schools will stir negative stereotypes in the minds of the next generation of rich students.

Moving on, the close community at a boarding school prevents students from escaping a toxic environment should the occasion arise. With any school, there will be bullies. I am sure the school will have procedures in place to prevent this, but we all know unfortunate situations can happen. Bullying in a close-knit campus will isolate the student who is already far away from family and friends. Isolation is extremely dangerous, especially when you consider how it can cause psychological damage.

Bullying

Another concern that is a huge problem: boarding school syndrome. This documented psychological issue happens when parents send their kids away when they are too young. Piers Cross describes the condition: “Boarding School Syndrome is now being recognized as a specific psychological condition characterized by depression, problems with relationships and long-term emotional or behavioral difficulties. Those that are affected by this syndrome are often called Boarding School Survivors.” Symptoms of this syndrome include anxiety, difficulty communicating, and difficulty maintaining intimate relationships. The boarding school environment does not permit emotions; therefore, stunting emotional development in their students. Boarding schools treat their students like adults. On Penn State campus, I am glad when professors treat me like an adult. However, students as young as ten are told to grow up and bury their emotions. Being away from family, the teachers and mentors at the school raise these children. However, they do not treat them as family but rather as adult students. These students are too young to leave their families.

Overall, I would never promote boarding schools. I try to remain impartial in my blogs, but boarding schools are not about an advanced educational experience for students. Honestly, it is a daycare for rich parents to send away their children because they are too busy and do not want to partake in parenting responsibilities. Do I think some boarding schools are beneficial – yes! I think students can benefit from boarding school if they are older and have close relationships with friends and family. Afterall, boarding schools may not be the problem – lack of love from parents/families is the real cause of damage.

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In the United States, there are many debates over the best form of schooling. One of the most heated debates is private vs. public education.

The most obvious difference between private and public education is the price tag. Every child in America can attend public school for free. However, parents may opt for their child to attend a private school. Most private schools cost money. This alludes to the fact that private schools must be “better” in some way to justify the monetary expenses. Both types of schooling offer unique benefits, and both have their respective drawbacks.

US News claims parents should look at a variety of factors when choosing a school for their child including rates of graduation and college enrollment, class size, diversity, and availability of programs for learning disabilities.

Private schools typically have smaller classes. This lets the students have more one-on-one attention with teachers. Whereas students in public schools can blend into the crowd of students in their classes. Thus, students will have different preferences for class size based on their personalities. Parents should take this into consideration when thinking about what is best for their child.

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However, with larger class sizes comes vast diversity. Private schools’ price tags and strict screening can limit the diversity of its student population. Diversity helps students prepare for future careers since most workplaces consist of many different cultures and backgrounds. I am talking about diversity with minorities, social classes, and people with disabilities.

On this topic, students with disabilities do better in public schools. Public schools are closely regulated so that they follow guidelines to provide resources for students who need them. Private schools must also do this, but they are not under strict watch. Private schools are not funded as well as public schools, resulting in poorer resources for students with disabilities. 

Fatherly explains that private schools hire more teachers that are fresh out of college and fewer teachers with master’s degrees. Since the only income private schools have is tuition payments from families, they pay their teachers less. This results in public schools attracting better teachers.

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US News also digs into “how students in private schools score higher on standardized tests and score better across all subjects. However, it is hard to tell if private schools are the cause of this. Afterall, parents who have the resources and are willing to pay money for a “better” school probably help their students even more. They may be hiring tutors, paying for SAT practice books, and the like. Family attributes, like the parents’ education and social status, may be a more accurate explanation for the higher test scores.”

It is also important to note that parents who can not afford private schools send their students to public schools. Many low income students are not able to focus or put as much work into their education with their family’s lack of resources and money. When low income students are given fundings to attend private schools, they do not perform as well as those paying to attend. Yet, poor students being funded still outperform public school students (US News).

Another important fact to consider is that many private schools do not require the same certifications for their teachers. They stress subject area specialists. Public schools focus on core classes whereas private schools sometimes focus on certain subjects like music, art, or other content areas (Fatherly). Many parents who choose private schools do so for religious or extra-curricular reasons. Thus demonstrating that they care more about the particular private schools’ speciality than the “overall better” educational appeal.

To continue, Fatherly explains how private schools also have a “better peer environment.” This is due to the fact that they can screen who enrolls, resulting in only the type of student they want to attend their school. However, the real world works quite differently. Public schools teach students outside of the safe bubble of the socioeconomic upper class. So, public school students will understand how to deal with more challenging peers while private school students will be facing this issue for the first time in college or when they are working in the real world.

In conclusion, the decision to send students to private or public schools depends on what is best for the student. For families who can afford it, private schools lead to higher grades and test scores, a good, safe environment, and subject speciality. However, private schools lack diversity, can become costly, and do not embody the reality of the real world.