The United States currently ranks in the 20s when it comes to average education, and there have been many methods of education reform proposed in the last few years. I would like to know what you would do to improve the education system from the federal level of government, or what measures you would support.
The current insane policy of measuring a school system’s success by the High School graduation rate has got to stop. This policy has introduced many distortions, perhaps the worst of which is dumbing down the curriculum until everybody can pass by just showing up,
Not everybody needs to go to college. Many people can honorably stop at Grade Ten if the last two years are spent teaching practical life skills and preparing for a trade apprenticeship. (Apprenticeships also need to stop requiring a High School certificate. In many cases, it is not necessary for learning a trade).
Ditto to what PE2008 says.
From the level of the federal government, I’d do away with standardized testing and focus on testing that actually shows if a student has mastered the curriculum, not just learned how to take a test. Raise standards so that passing requires more than having a pulse and lengthen the school day and year to be comparable to european schools. Segregate EARLY(in academic subjects) based on ability so talented students are able to be challenged and slower students can get the attention they need. Start and require foreign language programs early. Increase funding for gym (curb obesity). Increase emphasis on arts and music to stimulate creative thought and all the critical thinking that comes with innovation, planning and execution.
Stop telling everyone they need to go to college. They don’t, they can’t and it’s burdening students and their parents with unnecessary debt while wasting thousands of man hours that could be spent working. Encourage students to explore options to become job-ready including vocational and technical programs. Show that there are ways to be successful without college, and provide support for those who are capable of college level work.
I would probably have children focus more on the arts they are more interested in but since they are young and their opinions are subject to change, I would have them do at least a couple other subjects but not necessarily as intensively. But really some of the education here is a joke. You’re supposed to enjoy learning.
What we need more than anything is a Reason or Will to go to college. Motivation is key in our situation. People are feeling that they can make it in life without a degree because people are telling them that. allot of kids just need to be shown that even if they don’t have the money they can still go to college. financial aid etc..