The Greatest Obstacle to Enhancing Our Education System
Addressing the issues within our education system requires a clear and unambiguous understanding of where we stand. As Ian Drake poignantly noted, the first step in solving any problem is acknowledging that we have one. This article aims to shine a light on the underlying issues and propose potential solutions to enhance our education system.
Public Perception and Education
The current state of the public's perception regarding the education system is complex and often clouded by misconceptions. The reality is that the education establishment has made it nearly impossible for ordinary parents to understand the underlying issues. Educators and administrators often engage in the use of jargon, fake research, and endless hyperbole, which at times borders on deception. This complexity has left the public feeling bruised and passive, unable to comprehend or engage effectively in discussions about how to improve the system.
A Downward Spiral of Decline
Historically, American primary and secondary education has been in decline for at least six decades. Every attempt to 'tweak' the system has only accelerated this deterioration. The truth is, without a drastic overhaul and a higher educational bar, the current system is unlikely to improve.
Setting a Higher Educational Bar
To rectify this situation, we must implement a much higher standard of education starting from a young age. By age five, every student should be held to a higher and more rigorous standard. For those who are able to keep up, the pace should increase continuously. For those who struggle, instruction should be tailored to their abilities, ensuring they are continuously challenged in ways that suit them best. Some students, especially those with difficulty in academic studies, might benefit from a group or team environment that facilitates collaborative learning.
Top academic students should be on par with current college seniors by the time they graduate high school. This would align them closely with the skill level they would attain in the UK upon entering college in the mid-1970s. Achieving this would also allow freshmen to jump directly into university-level studies, focusing on a chosen major from day one.
Addressing Student Discipline and Fit
Another critical issue is the need to maintain appropriate levels of discipline in the classroom. Students who are pushed to excel while maintaining their natural curiosity are generally less rebellious. However, for those who are truly problematic, it is essential to remove them from the general population and provide them with separate, possibly off-site, educational environments to avoid undermining the learning experience for others.
Vocational or technical programs should also be offered to students who do not thrive in academic settings. These programs not only provide valuable skills but also ensure that students completing high school are well-equipped for entry-level positions without necessarily requiring a degree.
Conclusion
The greatest obstacle to enhancing our education system is the collective ignorance and inertia that has prevailed for far too long. The education establishment has made it difficult for the public to understand the issues, and as a result, progress has been hindered. Only by acknowledging where we are and taking decisive action to set higher standards and address critical issues like student discipline can we begin to turn the tables on this downward spiral and improve our education system.