Is America's failing education system going to impact our economy in 10 years' time?

[jewpinthethird]

Originally Posted by lord_carbo

I agree that public schools tend toward a one-size-fits-all thing and it's a problem that will certainly affect us in the future. The question is, what's the solution? Encourage diverse curricula? Vouchers? Anything else?

Well, I don't think there is an easy solution. I am against vouchers because I don't believe schools should be run like businesses and voucher programs are abused by those who already have a means to pay for private school. Also, vouchers invite the government into previously private institutions. I have nothing against private schools, but they should not receive any tax-payer money from the government.

I think a diverse curricula would be more beneficial. Such as providing various routes for students to graduate from high school. For example: receiving high school credit for vocational training, as well as greater cooperation between high schools and community colleges in providing an accelerated path of graduation.

Unfortunately, the way I see it, publics schools are being run like businesses due to a lack in funds. As such, schools cut programs that don't make them money (languages, arts, music, sciences) in favor of those courses which students tested on: mainly math and English (the higher a school scores on standardized tests, the more money they receive). However, you do not see cuts in extracurricular programs like football...because football games are a large source of revenue for schools despite the fact that it has nothing to do with education.

So what am I saying? Increase funding for public education. Teachers are worn thin as it is: over-sized class rooms, outdated material, and low pay do not make a good education system. We are robbing children of a decent education because this administration (and other state governments) don't see the importance of an well-educated majority. Now, I'm not conspiracy theorist, but I'd be really wary of a government that spends more money on starting wars than it does educating its children.