Well hello there, my dear reader! Are you ready to talk education reform in the United States? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the critical actions necessary for education reform at a national scale. I talked a lot of shit in my last post “Ten Success Factors and Education Reform?”. Just to be sure I am part of the solution and proposing solutions, not just criticisms. Here are the 5 things I think are most critical for education reform.
1. Address Inequities in Funding:
It’s time to level the playing field, folks. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, high-poverty districts received about $1,000 less per student in state and local funding than low-poverty districts. This is with title 1 funding, and doesn’t account for the additional PTA/PTO funding available in high income schools. This is unacceptable. We need to work together to address these inequities and ensure that all schools, regardless of location or student population, have the resources to provide a quality education. This is not about penalizing high income families, but the basis of funding using taxes of low income areas is devastating our schools.
2. Align our Education System with Careers:
One of the most important steps we can take is to align education with future careers and to work closely with industry experts. We need to identify the skills and knowledge that students will need to succeed in the jobs of tomorrow and ensure that our educational programs are teaching those skills. Students need clear pathways to their desired careers. According to a National Center for Education Statistics report, students participating in career and technical education programs are more likely to graduate from high school, enroll in college, and earn higher wages. We must work together to provide students with clear pathways to their desired careers, including access to internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education is becoming increasingly important in today’s job market. According to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in STEAM occupations is projected to grow by 8.8% from 2018 to 2028. We need to ensure that our educational programs are providing students with the skills and knowledge they need and eliminate educational waste
3. Increase Access to Early Childhood Education:
Research shows that early childhood education can positively impact a child’s future success in school and beyond. According to a National Institute for Early Education Research report, children who attend high-quality pre-K programs are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college. There should not be a waitlist for Pre-K. The same intensity for K-12 education is needed for early childhood education. We need to work together to increase access to early childhood education and ensure that all children have the opportunity to start their education on the right foot.
4. Support Teachers:
Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and it’s time to give them the support they deserve. According to a report by the Learning Policy Institute, teacher turnover costs schools up to $2.2 billion annually. We need to work together to provide teachers with the resources they need to succeed, including professional development opportunities, competitive salaries, and support for their mental health and well-being.
5. Foster a Culture of Innovation:
It’s time to shake things up, folks. We need to foster a culture of innovation in education and encourage new ideas and approaches. According to a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, innovative approaches to education, such as personalized learning and competency-based education, have the potential to improve student outcomes. We must work together to support these new approaches and encourage experimentation and creativity in education.
Let’s work together to create a brighter future for our students and nation.
Classroom to Corporate 