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Saturday, March 15, 2014

Major Problems With Public Education System

By Gwen Lowe


The problems with public education system have led to a crisis that seems to divide society down the middle. Despite successive administrations trying to address them, they continue to rear their ugly head. There appears to be two systems of education depending where the school is located. Such disparities have resulted in indirect discrimination.

There is a clear difference between schools in wealthy areas and those in poorer districts. This has caused experts to suggest that students in these institutions use a different curriculum. This is a poor showing for a nation that aims to remain relevant and competitive at the global front. If graduating students cannot meet a basic threshold in terms of quality, national goals at the global arena are under threat.

Schools located in poor suburbs are worst hit by the crisis that has locked learning. The rate of dropout before high school graduation is alarming. The diplomas awarded to those graduating do not meet the standards stipulated. The academic confidence of basic subjects is not certified. This mean that the grandaunts are not prepared for either higher education or advanced technical training. It means that they can not perform in the job market.

Availability of resources is crucial in facilitating the learning process. It affects the quality of delivery and eventually that of the grandaunts. The availability of resources for learning seems to be determined by location in wealthier or poorer backgrounds. The teachers are less motivated, the learning environment is not the best and results will not be as high as possible. Students leaving two institutions at the same level but in different locations seem to begin work at a different trajectory.

Efforts made by governments at state and federal level to close the resource gap are commendable. This is despite the fact that it has come too late since foundations have been laid. Finances are not the only issue that determines academic performance and quality. Motivation, surrounding and quality of teachers is a concern.

A learning culture takes time to develop and determines the performance of students. Schools that had a head-start have already established their winning culture and are way ahead of the rest. The type of administration in a school and the willingness to instill discipline in students will have a bearing on results. Support for the efforts of teachers by sponsors, principals and the community is paramount in bringing the desired difference.

Student welfare plays a critical role in fixing some of the issues. The safety of teachers and pupils must be guaranteed to ensure that good results are delivered. Other psychological issues that need fixing include race and class. They have been used and are perceived as sources and justifications for the crisis. The expectations must be high for all stake holders in the sector.

The outcomes of education pursuit need to be redefined to escape the curse of focusing on academic grades. Cross cutting elements like collaborative skills, creativity and critical thinking should be adopted instead. There is an inclination towards quick fix solutions as opposed to systematic thinking and patience. This explains the perishable ideas that have defined administration of learning.




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