“98% of Teachers Agree: The Need for Educational Reform”
Education, Equity, and Empowerment: Reimagining America's Schools
I appreciate Education Week for its insightful articles, and one in particular caught my attention: “District Hard-Hit by COVID-19 Begins ‘Tough Work’ of Recovery,” penned by Christina A. Samuels. This article delves into the struggles faced by a school district in Georgia, focusing on a county that’s grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic. The story is both informative and compelling, shedding light on the challenges this district is working to overcome. Education Week consistently delivers valuable insights into the world of education. If you have any questions or seek further information about this article or related topics, please feel free to ask.
The Consensus Among Educators
First, let me share some key findings from the Education Week article. The first point of interest is that only 31% of the county’s third-graders are reading at or above their grade level, in contrast to the state average of 48%. This means that a significant 69% of third-graders are reading at an average or below-average grade level. Furthermore, 41% of the county’s eighth-graders are reading at or above grade level, leaving a majority of 52% of eighth-graders reading at an average or below-average grade level. This is a concerning trend, suggesting that the district’s schools may not be adequately supporting students’ reading development from third to eighth grade. Why is this happening?
The second noteworthy point is that this community has a higher poverty rate than the average, and it’s located in the “black belt” region of the South. These children could greatly benefit from having access to Usborne Books & More in their homes. 😊
Now, onto the third point, which revolves around equity concerns. The school district in this county is predominantly composed of 90% Black students, with approximately two-thirds of these students classified as “economically disadvantaged.” This means that two-thirds of these students rely on government assistance. Unfortunately, many of these children may graduate with functional illiteracy, potentially becoming a burden on society. This highlights a significant equity issue within the county, as discussed in the article.
The term “equity” is often associated with addressing racial and social inequalities and injustices. While some may use it to advocate for certain marginalized groups, it’s important not to generalize or blame any particular group, especially conservative white men. It’s crucial to approach these matters with fairness and understanding.
As a Hispanic female, I find the term “equity” to be a source of discomfort, and I share your concerns about how it’s sometimes used.
Leaders were readers first.
Government's Role in Education: A Historical Perspectiv
School failure in America is a complex issue with various underlying causes often cited, such as school violence, poverty, English Language Learner (ELL) students, ineffective teachers or curriculum, and teacher unions prioritizing teacher protection. These factors are indeed contributors to school struggles, but they aren’t the root causes of the problem.
Many have viewed the No Child Left Behind Act as a solution, but in reality, it served to highlight the existing issues and led to the closure of some schools while prompting others to conceal problems to avoid closure. While the intention behind No Child Left Behind was positive, it didn’t address the core problems effectively.
Reform is essential, particularly in how we teach children to read and provide reading support throughout middle school. The Obama Administration attempted to address this issue by issuing waivers to 32 states with schools failing to meet standards. This led to the replacement of the No Child Left Behind Act with the Every Student Succeeds Act. However, despite these efforts, schools continue to struggle.
The key to improving American education lies in comprehensive reforms that tackle the foundational issues of teaching and supporting reading skills. Simply changing laws and policies may not be sufficient; a fundamental shift in educational strategies is necessary to ensure the success of every student.
Debating "Equity" and Equal Opportunities
Ensuring a “basic” education for all public school children is of utmost importance. It concerns me that schools often prioritize internet access and providing students with electronic devices over delivering a fundamental education. Let’s clarify a critical point: a ‘basic education’ doesn’t necessarily require electronics.
The failure of schools to provide this fundamental education is unjust, particularly when these gaps are more pronounced among minority groups. Education stands as a social responsibility, and in that context, it’s essential for the government to disengage from controlling our public schools. Although the method of government withdrawal may not be immediately clear, it’s crucial if we aim to address and rectify the issues within our schools. The government should uphold the freedom of every student to acquire a ‘basic education.’
Alternatively, we could benefit from entrepreneurial educators who aspire to establish new schools, including charter and private charter schools. The government can contribute by providing startup funding for these initiatives. Local taxpayer funds should be channeled into vouchers, enabling taxpaying families to choose a local school. This approach holds each school accountable for their students’ education.
The Critical Imperative of Effective Reading Instruction
The connection between addressing failing schools and issues related to race or racism is a topic worth exploring. It does appear that there is a relevant discussion about racism within this context. Since the 1920s, during the era of ‘progressivism,’ the federal government has expanded significantly, resulting in a larger government that has extended its influence into various aspects of our lives. As federal laws multiply, the playing field becomes increasingly unequal, negatively impacting the economic well-being of all Americans.
When Democrats discuss “Equity,” which essentially means striving for equal outcomes, it can elicit a range of reactions. What Democrats aim for is to level the playing field, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities. The goal is to provide every American with an equitable chance at success. However, the fundamental issue lies in schools’ failure to effectively teach children to read, resulting in many students graduating functionally illiterate. This, in turn, limits opportunities and affects individuals, regardless of their racial or ethnic background—whether they are black, white, Asian, Native American, or Hispanic. Graduating without strong literacy skills can render the American dream, the land of opportunity, unattainable for many.
"The government's role is to protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (really property)."
The Unintended Consequences of Government Involvement
It deeply concerns me, as an American woman of Hispanic descent, when the term “equity” is used. Additionally, the notion of schools utilizing taxpayer funds to provide families with electronic devices raises apprehension. I strongly believe that it’s not the government’s role to support families; its primary duty should be to safeguard life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (or property, as envisioned by the founding fathers). This foundational principle sets our country apart from others.
Furthermore, I ardently believe that every student has the right to attain proficient reading skills by the time they graduate. Reading lies at the core of a sound education, followed closely by writing and basic math. Without this foundation, a society cannot effectively govern itself.
I find it deeply troubling that we have phased out phonics instruction from public schools. Fast forward to 2020, and we’ve transitioned from a society rooted in self-governance to one increasingly dependent on the government.
We now witness a staggering number of undereducated Americans across all racial backgrounds, with a more pronounced concentration in minority communities. While the government may have aimed to level the playing field, it appears they’ve inadvertently left the masses illiterate and reliant on government assistance.
In my view, the solution lies in granting individual freedom to each school district. Schools should operate independently, with parents and teachers forming committees to determine the most effective educational approaches for their children. Taxes should be replaced by parents directly funding teachers’ salaries. Only then will teachers witness an improvement in their standard of living and liberation from government control.
In my opinion, computers are not essential for a quality education; all that’s required are plain and simple books.
Do you share the belief that the government should step back from public schools? I’m eager to hear your thoughts. Please share your perspectives.