What is education and is the schooling system in the USA delivering it?
Academic progress stalled during the pandemic and has yet to recover. But historic declines in test scores and growing achievement gaps are just part of the problem. Youth mental health issues surged; behavioral problems increased; and more teachers left the profession—creating a situation many are calling alarming. - America’s student psychology Association Aricle America’s students are falling behind. Here’s how to reimagine the classroom
It is known that almost every public school has had students and teachers alike say the US schooling system is not worth much.
What would bring people to say so much about the US schooling system? Well here I will dive into it a little more
Who was the first person to make school in the us and what was the point?
Horace Mann
Who is Horace Mann
born in 1796, is credited with inventing the concept of school. He was a leader in educational reforms in the US state of Massachusetts. In 1837, Mann became Secretary of Education and implemented one of the most significant education reforms in American history.
The point was that maintaining political stability and social harmony lay in the realm of education. Specifically, he emphasized the importance of ensuring a foundational level of literacy among the populace and the cultivation of shared public values and principles.
Modern Criticisms of the U.S. Schooling System
Despite Mann's foundational contributions, the U.S. schooling system faces several criticisms today:
Standardized Testing: Critics argue that the emphasis on standardized testing stifles creativity and critical thinking, reducing education to a series of test scores.
Funding Inequities: There are significant disparities in funding between wealthy and impoverished school districts, leading to unequal educational opportunities.
Curriculum Relevance: Some argue that the curriculum is outdated and not aligned with the skills needed in the modern workforce.
Teacher Support: Teachers often face low pay, high stress, and lack of support, which can impact their effectiveness and job satisfaction.
Here is our take on it.
The schooling system is fundamentally designed around the principle of rote memorization rather than critical thinking and creativity.
“Since the basis of questions on standardized tests are multiple choice and promote memorization, students can memorize a series of facts and be able to spit them out for the test; afterwards, the information that was memorized will quickly be forgotten. These tests typically lack any form of critical thinking.” - Maine Public’s It's Not a Memory Test; Education Needs to Focus on Critical Thinking Article
The current structure prioritizes the retention of information over the development of independent thought processes. This approach has led to a concerning trend in the U.S. schooling system, where students are not being adequately prepared for the complexities of the modern world.
One of the major shortcomings of the U.S. schooling system is the stifling of free thinking among students. The rigid curriculum and standardized testing culture discourage students from exploring subjects deeply or thinking outside the box. Instead, students are often taught to focus on passing tests and meeting predefined standards, which limits their ability to engage in creative problem-solving or innovative thinking.
Moreover, teachers face significant constraints in how they can teach. The education system imposes strict guidelines and standardized curricula that restrict teachers' ability to adapt lessons to the unique needs and interests of their students. This lack of flexibility hinders teachers from employing diverse teaching methods that could stimulate critical thinking and a more engaging and dynamic learning environment.
Contrary to popular belief, the primary issue plaguing the U.S. schooling system is not a lack of funding. While financial resources are important, the core problem lies in the systemic emphasis on memorization and standardization at the expense of critical thinking and creativity. Becoming educated is something anyone can do by simply having a phone. So if this were a funding problem the cost of it would be around $300 and $20 monthly, so capital is not the problem.
The focus should shift toward creating an educational environment that values and encourages independent thought, critical analysis, and the exploration of new ideas.
But I never like to at it from that pov if I don’t look at the other side. How possible are these methods of learning, and are there just to many kids to have such problem-solving or innovative thinking courses? Will teachers even be able to give a good amount of time to every student to ensure a well-rounded educational standard?
Firstly, the feasibility of these methods must be examined. Project-based learning, reducing standardized testing, and promoting a “growth mindset” would be good strategies in theory. However, their successful implementation depends on various factors, including resources, teacher training, and class sizes. One of the significant hurdles in implementing individualized learning approaches is the large class sizes prevalent in many schools. With too many students in a classroom, it becomes nearly impossible for teachers to give adequate attention to each student, thereby ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Smaller class sizes would be ideal, but this requires more teachers and classrooms, which again ties back to resource constraints and could spread a declining industry when it comes to employees thin and so much more.
Approach to Implementation: To manage the transition effectively, schools can gradually introduce innovative teaching methods. Starting with pilot programs to test new strategies and make necessary adjustments before broader implementation. Involving parents, community leaders, and policymakers in the reform process can help build support and secure necessary resources. Collaborative efforts can lead to more sustainable changes.
Flexible Curriculum: Developing a more flexible curriculum that allows for differentiation based on student needs and interests can help balance standardized requirements with innovative teaching methods.
Investing in Supportive Infrastructure: Investing in supportive infrastructure, such as hiring additional support staff (e.g., teaching assistants, and counselors), can help alleviate the burden on teachers and ensure that all students receive the attention they need.
The U.S. schooling system, established on noble principles by Horace Mann, currently faces significant challenges that demand urgent attention. While standardized testing and funding inequities are pressing issues, the fundamental problem lies in the systemic prioritization of memorization over critical thinking and creativity. To adequately prepare students for the complexities of the modern world, the education system must shift towards fostering independent thought, critical analysis, and innovation. This transformation will not be simple and will require a concerted effort from educators, policymakers, and communities. However, there are still major concerns about the feasibility of this approach. For instance, how do we measure the effectiveness of this style of teaching, and what implications would it have for students who excel in this environment?
The need for a balanced compromise is evident and is reflected in the mental health of students, as they may be portrayed as disheartened, lost, or as unwilling to strive for success depressed generation.
The American Psychological Association (APA) states that Gen Z individuals are more likely to report mental health concerns (eg, depression and anxiety) than previous generations [8]. In a 2022 survey of 1055 Gen Z adults, 1 out of 4 reported having more bad days than good within a 1-month time frame. - From NCBI’s Aricle on the matter
Even with this data that was posted a more recent study shows not much has changed. Young adults still feel this way. According to the Harvard study posted Oct 2023 - On Edge: Understanding and Preventing Young Adults’ Mental Health Challenges. There is much more to be said about this. Maybe there is something happening with the younger generation that we are not seeing, something that has been going on for a long time but we just never noticed. Whatever it is, there is no single solution to it, but I believe that education could be the change that younger adults and Gen Z are looking for. Giving them more space to think might help them feel a greater sense of belonging rather than the anguish they currently experience.
