Why The Education System Has Failed to Succeed
The education system in America is failing to properly educate the youth. When compared internationally, American students test lower than average compared to students from other countries. And despite the fact that more students go to college now than ever, there is no longer a guarantee that their college degree will get them a job (unlike how they teach people in school that the only way to get a good job is to go to college). In fact, many entry level jobs require a person to have some work experience in their field before they will hire them. But if a person can’t get hired with just a college degree, how are they supposed to get any job experience? Many college educated adults fall into this pitfall, and either end up unemployed or employed in a field completely unrelated to their degree. In addition, with so many people with college degrees, there is now that much more competition in the job market. So, is there a solution? Before that question can be answered, first one needs to take a good solid look at how this all got started.
Education Based On Industrialization
What type of educational institution would you send your child if money or location wasn't a factor?
As Sir Ken Robinson explains in the above video, the American standardized educational system is antiquated and outdated. It was originally designed to train the general population to be busy little worker bees during the industrial revolution. Despite the fact that it’s been a few hundred years since the public education model was put in to place, it has changed very little. After all the advancements that have been made in science and technology, why hasn’t there been more advancement in the public educational system? The answer to that question is debatable and complex, but there are certain contributing factors that can’t be denied. Although there are alternatives to public education such as private or alternative schools, only parents with lots of money to spare can afford to send their children to those types of institutions—and if they can afford it, sometimes it ends up being a waste of money.
Private Schools Don’t Guarantee A Better Education
A study conducted by the Center on Education Policy (CEP) that was published in 2007 indicated that there is not much of an achievement gap amongst students in public high schools vs. students attending private high schools. When conducting the study, they took into account several factors, including family background and socioeconomic status. Students from low income urban areas performed as well as students from private schools when they had parents that were involved in their education. In fact, the only cases that students in private schools outperformed their public school counterparts were in regards to the SAT’s. However, there is one of two reasons why that is: either private schools are better at teaching test taking skills or the students that are admitted into private schools have higher IQs. Additionally, public school students were generally just as likely to continue on to college as private school students were. Also, a student's motivation and ones that performed well before high school, kept performing well later on.The study found, more than anything else, that parental involvement (such as having high educational expectations, discussing school work, being involved in the school, etc) has much more to do with students’ academic achievements than the type of school they attend.
More simply put: more money does not equal a better education. Better access to outside resources and tutors? Yes. But the type of institution itself doesn’t seem to matter. The only other alternative, if parents are unsatisfied with public or private schools, is to home school their children.
To Home School Or Not To Home School: That Is The Question
Based on statistics, children who are home schooled score higher on aptitude tests than their public school counterparts by a considerable margin. However, results vary depending on how involved and dedicated the parents are in regard to self-educating their children. Additionally, many people argue that children who are home schooled do not receive proper socialization compared to children who attend public institutions—although I haven’t found any evidence that supports that claim. In fact, according to an online article by Naomi de la Torre titled Are Home schooled Kids Really Lacking In Socialization, it is a myth that home schooled children are less socialized.
“Homeschooling affords children many wonderful opportunities to socialize without all the negative de-socializing experiences that children in traditional schools often encounter. Media coverage of bullying, teasing, gangs, cliques, violence, physical and emotional abuse in public schools is abundant."
Even if you weren’t bullied or teased in school (I personally was), it’s very likely that you had a friend or knew someone that was. I remember attending 1st grade and being shocked and appalled by other children’s behavior— they were being mean for no reason, using profanity, flipping each other off and being generally obnoxious. I didn’t feel like I was at a learning institution; it was more like a zoo with wild animals packed in a small space being forced to learn things that the teacher scrawled on a black chalk board. Then, after elementary school there is Jr. High or Middle School, where the negative social behavior continues to intensify and is then multiplied by raging hormones. Next there is high school and for many (but not all) high school graduation and then college.
Therefore, I think it is fair to say that home school is a proper alternative for those who don’t care for such “socialization.” Not only that, but lower level education (other than Prep schools which again, are expensive and not an option for everyone) doesn’t even come close to properly preparing students for college.
My College Experience And The Disillusionment That Followed
Since I’ve always love learning, college seemed to be the perfect place for a young individual such as myself to thrive and excel. In the beginning, I did indeed do that—in part because I chose to attend community college to get a general two year degree and then transfer to a four year university. I was smart enough to observe ahead of time that I didn’t want to be in a huge lecture hall with 800 students (which is the fate for those who choose to go straight to a four year college after graduating high school), and that smaller classes meant a higher quality education. It also allowed me to bypass the stress of taking the SAT.
Despite the fact that I did learn a good deal of new information, expanded my world view and enhanced my critical thinking skills, I couldn’t help but feel that I had missed out on a lot of opportunities because I was forced to learn at such a fast pace. By the time I graduated, I was mentally exhausted and burned out. When it comes down to it, at the University level of education, it’s more about money and time then it is about quality education. It felt very much like being part of a cattle call, where they were trying to move the “herd” of students on as quickly as possible in order to make room for the next “herd” of students. It is no wonder that many people graduate with college degrees yet still feel completely clueless and unprepared—because after a whirlwind education roller coaster ride like that, anyone would feel a bit dazed and stunned afterward. So in the end, college is no better than the lower level education system—because it fails to yield productive, learned citizens—an advanced version of memorizing and spewing back information to get a good grade and take home a shiny degree.
Now, don’t get the wrong idea—like the video above mentions, I’m not saying college doesn't work for some people. Having a college degree is better than not having a degree at all. For some, they system matches their learning style and they excel. The point is, not everyone learns the same way or at the same pace. Certain teaching styles work better for some people than others and this is where the education system fails; it refuses to recognize the variations in an individual’s cognitive abilities.
I remember a few of my professors at the community college level expressing their regrets that they even had to give tests or grades at all. They explained that tests only measure a student’s memorization ability, not their reasoning, critical thinking skills, or intelligence. However, they had no choice because the school system restricted them from evaluating students in alternative ways, like grading a student based on their personal progress instead of basing it on a number value placed on an assignment or test. They even said that if they could change the system, they would. If professors even admit that the education system is flawed in its design, I ask the question again—why haven’t things changed?
In Conclusion
In truth, the American education system is working fine—according to its original design. The rich and elite need worker ants to help run the country, and if everyone was equally or properly educated, they would have to share the wealth and power they’ve worked so hard to monopolize. People also need to realize they have options as far as educating their children. For example, in some states children aren’t required to attend school until the age of 12. However, that is no longer an option once a parent agrees to enroll their child into a public school (i.e. Kindergarten, 1st grade, etc). Then it becomes mandatory and parents face incarceration and other penalties if they refuse to send their child to school.
George Carlin, although a comedian, tells it like it is in this clip from a stand-up concert:
Although I agree with George Carlin, I’m not quite as cynical. I don’t accept that there is nothing we can do about it. I believe that if enough people “wake up” and realize what is really going on, they can band together and make a change. The educational system in this country needs to go back into the hands of the people, and no longer be “standardized” or government controlled. Additionally, employers need to make entry level jobs more readily available for incoming college graduates, and provide them with opportunities to work for their companies without having much real world experience.
Otherwise, George Carlin is right and nothing will ever change.
Do you think the education system is fine the way it is?
Questions & Answers
Comments
Just like every American Institution it's a complete lie. Its all about money and getting you to buy something. Probably 90 percent of our jobs require no college education. The last thing your employer probably wants is an educated slave. They have practically banned teaching life skills or common sense. The only thing taught is punching tickets and a lie that if you do what you our told that you will be rewarded. Reality usually comes home when you get your bill and learn that all jobs pretty much suck.
Like everything in America its all about the money and nothing about reality. One false diploma mill making top dollar, eventually cheapens all of them wanting top dollar. At the same time education is becoming a moot point for countless jobs that once boldly claimed having an education was important. Cheap labor and mindless slaves is what they really want in most cases. It is adding up that education is a useless tool that serves no purpose in a job, except for placing us in debt. College is mostly a money machine. Still I think we expect to much and that most schools do well in teaching but perform poorly in managing individual learning. Colleges do poorly in teaching on the other hand because they do not equate my money as having any value in teaching people. When I spend large sums of money I expect to be taught but its very disappointing. Then again all that money is mostly going to someone who never teaches and educators are not profiting by being good teachers.
Truth be known, "socialization" is highly over-rated. A study conducted by the Smithsonian Institute upon genius concluded that if you want your child to excel in intelligence....limit their time around peers.
Blessings to a fabulous young lady - C.J. Sledgehammer
Hello Sarah,
Home schooling is fine because there are other ways for your children to socialize. My daughter has Autism, and is in a school that is for children with Autism. However, she has what is called "Higher level Autism"
My daughter is also involved in other activities. She is in Girl Scouts, and Puppet Squad at church
Great hub.
Voted up.
Dear Sarah:
Just so you know, I am launching a grass-roots movement to put social, economic and political pressure upon you to write more Hubs. I have already been in touch with my Congressman and both of my Senators and they are looking into it.
I truly think you are letting, not only your country down, but the world as well, because blessed cherubs like you, don't come around very often.
Please know that I am sorry it has come to this. I told you awhile back that you weren't doing enough to satisfy my "Sarah-Christina fix" and I believed you were just "teasing" me with the amazing and awe-inspiring Hub above. You shouldn't leave people hanging on like this...it just isn't right.
To make amends and bring order back to the universe, you may write a Hub about how guys can find "nice" girls. Should you decide to meet my demands, I shall drop any and all action against you.
Respectfully Submitted - C.J. Sledgehammer
Very interesting read. I think if Teachers are happy (good conditions of work) it will also have a positive impact on their delivery.
Having said that, there are a few passionate Teachers out there who will give so much to give the best to kids, no matter the conditions. I know they are out there but very few.
I am a Teacher. Personally, I would send my child to Private School. Home Schooling is good, but I think being social is very important to kids. They need to interact with others. (I haven't got kids yet).
Rated up.
We had balance marriage here in US for decades at home and spoke positively with our kids. They had plenty love. First kid went to Middle and High school and became rebellious. *** I attended socialistic schools and they taught us socialism under Soviet regime. Then they failed and now failing yet in spite I never seen so many highly educated people with doctorate and Engineers titles as in any other place of the world. Have a beautiful day.
Very good article, thanks. Voting up.
Socialization to me means socialistic approach brought from Europe of failing system.
Hello sarahchristina.
Exceptionally remarkable, incomparable practical hub of much wisdom.
Beyond my vocabulary, to express the powerful message presented in your educational writ.
Meeting you has been heavenly orchestrated via your comment on the same page of S.J. Sledgehammer .
May the blessing of Almighty be with you, so that you'll continually be a blessing to all.
Voting absolutely up, and awesome , useful and beautiful.
My only experience with the US education system was the years I lived in the US, Illinois state. What I most remember were all the days school (even university classes) were cancelled due to weather. Being from Ontario, I was really surprised at school being closed so many days for what did not seem extreme weather to me at least.
Is there anything we can do? Do you know of any official movement or site that is going to do something about it? I completely agree with what you are saying, but I feel like if I don't join something official nothing is going to change. If there isn't anything we should start something.
Exellent Hub, Sarah. Our public education system is at a crisis right now but it is not beyond the point to be saved. Government, teachers, and parents need to get together to find better ways to teach our children. This should be a continual process. All have a stake in this subject because it is our future. I wrote a Hub on this almost 2 years ago with my ideas at that time. Thank you for getting me to think about it again. This issue must have our constant attention.
Sarah, this is a fascinating hub. I loved watching the first video- phenomenal illustrations. Wow.
I have had experience with all three educational systems and as great as homeschool may be- I took each of my kids out for a time- it takes the right combo to work.
Much to consider here. Thanks!!!
Oh, Sarah, this Hub is a triumph. Encore...Encore!!!
You have, not only demonstrated a keen insight into the public education debacle, but you have provided us with practical solutions as well.
Thank you for being so conscientious and for taking a stand for what is good and what is right and for seeing the forest through the trees. This Hub is brilliant, your writing is superb, and your videos are spot on.
May God wrap His arms around you like a warm blanket - C.J. Sledgehammer
Voted up, interesting, useful, beautiful and downright awesome! :0)
It is hard in the college system these days on how it is set up. I think there could be a lot of better ways to go about things. One of the richest men in the world Bill Gates dropped out of college. You almost have to have a college degree now of days to get a decent paying job which is sad. I know just as much as the college kid knows about certain jobs if not more than he does. I plan to go back to college next year but I like how in other countries college is free. United States wonders why kids in other countries are smarter well it's because their system is a lot better. good hub :)
28