The USA is an extremely sought-after study destination. According to the Institute for International Education, international students make up nearly 5.5% of the student body in America’s higher education institutions. In fact, American universities have earned the country a spot in the top 10 educational systems in the world. It often makes it to the top 3, depending on the survey year.
However, the U.S. lags behind other countries when it comes to primary and secondary education. In an attempt to fix this, the government has come up with policies that address the unique challenges that schoolchildren face. These policies not only focus on improving the curricula but also on helping kids manage outside factors that might be hindering their success in school.
For example, the National School Lunch Program provides kids with free or reduced, lunch. The program has reduced food insecurity and obesity by 3.8% and 17% respectively. The Every Student Succeeds Act, which is the main law for K-12 education, was also implemented to encourage schools to care for their disadvantaged students.
With all of the effort the U.S. government is making, it’s a surprise that the country’s education system is still described as 'failing.' This article will dwell on this matter to find out what leads to such perceptions.
5 Reasons the U.S. Education System Is Failing
While this isn’t an extensive list, it captures the major problems faced in the K-12 system. For a deeper understanding of the topic, order an essay on essayhub - an essay writing service that can conduct deep research as well. It will suit your needs if you have to complete an assignment on this topic.
Low Funding
We’ve often heard that teachers aren't paid enough for their jobs. However, their low salaries are only a symptom of a bigger problem: underinvestment of schools. The Federal Government only contributes about 8% towards public schools. The rest of the funding is up to state and county governments. Schools also survive based on the generosity of private donors.
When the 2008 recession hit, state funding for K-12 was drastically reduced. As the economy began to improve, some states chose to cut taxes. This had a negative impact on funding. As a result, teachers have had to mobilize their students to raise money for supplies and extracurricular programs.
Stressful Environment For Students
In 2019, the New York Times conducted a survey of 300 high-school students. They were asked how the American education system can be improved. One of the most popular responses revolved around reducing the pressure to perform well.
The pressure to score high grades on tests pushes numerous students to memorize, instead of comprehending, the information on different subjects. This is compounded by the fact that most American students have at least 7 classes per day, with homework for each subject. To reduce the stress, students consider hiring an essay writing service like DoMyEssay instead of handling assignments themselves. While it’s a viable option to succeed, the popularity of such services is another sign that the system doesn’t work properly.
Outdated Teacher Training Methods
COVID-19 forced schools to reimagine their teaching methods. Teachers have had to adapt a curriculum that’s decades-old to a situation they’ve never faced before. They’ve also had to find a way to keep their students’ attention through a computer screen. Meanwhile, earlier, and timely, adaptation could have prevented such drastic changes.
Educational Equity Gap
It’s not a secret that everyone learns at different paces and in different ways. Educational equity is about providing children with the resources they need to perform well. In most education systems, including the US one, children with disabilities are often overlooked. Educational equity seeks to ensure that these students are taken care of.
Additionally, students from disadvantaged backgrounds usually get the short end of the stick when it comes to schooling. The reason is usually lack of funding or the challenges the students face at home. The disparities in districts, and between students, need to be addressed more effectively.
Concerns About School Safety
One problem Americans have been facing over the years is a concern over their safety at school. In 2020, for example, there were a total of 10 school shootings that resulted in injuries or deaths. Unfortunately, it was one of the deadliest years for gun violence. School shootings have a negative effect on students’ mental health and ability to focus in class.
Conclusion
Every year, thousands of students move to the U.S. for the purpose of going to school. While the U.S. offers great higher education, it struggles to provide good primary and secondary education. The U.S. government has taken extensive action to address this but still faces some challenges. A few of the challenges include low funding, outdated teaching methods, and concerns over safety.
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