Nov 17 2023
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By Maria Cabrera Phases

Phase Three

Cover Letter

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For this essay, I really wanted to bring attention to the decline of education in the U.S. and how crucial it is for everyone to take action. I proudly feel like I effectively addressed the decline of the American education system by including a comprehensive analysis of the issue and statistical evidence. I also included key factors that contributed to the decline and proposed concrete improvements.

The target audience for this essay is a diverse group that includes policymakers, educators, parents, and the general public. This paper addresses issues related to education policy, funding, teacher training, parental involvement, and student well-being. 

I decided that this topic needed to be shared because it’s an ongoing issue that hasn’t been resolved yet. I wanted to talk about this issue because of the fact that 13-year-olds are at a low reading level. Personally, I’ve seen it myself with my cousins who are in high school now, and still struggling. They aren’t at a high reading level, they struggle with how to write simple words, and they also struggle with writing essays. There were also TikTok videos of teachers who shared their struggles, sharing that the majority of their students are taking weeks to learn how to form small paragraphs as they’re having trouble putting sentences together. 

Introduction

In a rapidly changing world where innovation and knowledge are paramount, the American education system finds itself at a critical spot. The decline of U.S. education is alarming, raising questions about the nation’s future competitiveness and the implicit consequences of this unsettling trend. The United States, known for its pioneering spirit and technological advancements, is grappling with a multifaceted extremity in its educational institutions. As we delve into the decline of U.S. education, we uncover a web of connected factors, ranging from underfunded schools to the erosion of teacher morale. A critical question is raised: How does the decline of education impact kids, and what measures can be taken to alleviate this decline? 

The Decline of American Education

The decline of American education is a stark and concerning reality, as indicated by various alarming statistics. How American Education is Declining (2022) explains there has been no progress in math or reading performance in the last decade. The author reveals that “13-year-olds have dropped 3 points in reading and 5 points in math since 2012”, marking “the first time scores have fallen since 1990” (Thompson, par. 2). This emphasizes the lack of progress in math and reading performances over the last decade and it specifically highlights a concerning trend in American education, especially since it’s the first-time decline since 1990. This is particularly alarming since the United States ranks poorly globally, with the U.S. “in the bottom half of mathematics scores worldwide” (par. 4), ranking 38th out of 71 countries. This suggests that the educational performance in mathematics is below average on an international scale, raising concerns about the competitiveness and proficiency of the U.S. education system. The decline is due to various factors, such as teacher attrition due to “low [salaries], low resources, and problems exacerbated by COVID-19 and distance learning” (par. 8), impacting the overall quality of education. Additionally, the decrease in the number of children reading frequently outside of the classroom contributes to the decline of their cognitive abilities because their “brains aren’t being exercised.” (par. 11) Students should be reading to enhance their language skills, stimulate the brain, foster critical thinking, and expand knowledge across various subjects. Regular reading helps them build vocabulary, comprehension, and analytical skills. 

Similarly, in the article, America’s Education System Is a Mess, and It’s Students Who Are Paying the Price (2023), the author declares that there’s a problem with how kids are prepared for school. Pre-K students lack coherence and “students enter kindergarten with large gaps in their readiness to learn.” (Steiner, par. 6) These persistent disparities in early learning can lay the groundwork for uneven skill development, making it challenging for students to catch up and succeed academically. This can also hinder cognitive development, potentially resulting in enduring academic struggles and disparities. Moreover, “the American K-12 education system spends at least $30 billion per year on educational technology with essentially nothing to show for it” (par. 11) which raises questions about the effectiveness of these technologies in enhancing learning outcomes. The education system focuses on specific “achievement[s] [like] reading and math, and, to a lesser extent, science” (par. 8), neglecting other valuable areas that might not suit all students, limiting their creativity and overall learning. Teachers aren’t adequately prepared because they “[rely] too much on textbook theory” (par. 4), not emphasizing enough practical experiences and creating “poorly designed” (par. 4) tests which might lead to students not being as ready for real-world situations.

Furthermore, The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System (2023) highlights that the government funding for schools has not kept pace with the increasing needs, leading to “fewer teachers, fewer programs, and diminished resources” (Barrington, par. 8) Funding is crucial for maintaining a vigorous educational environment, supporting teachers, and providing necessary resources for students to thrive academically. Other issues, like worries about safety in schools, decreasing teacher salaries, and an emphasis on standardized testing, are also contributing to the education system’s decline. “There has been a string of high-profile mass shootings in American schools” (par. 9) which calls for the need for heightened security measures, diverting resources away from educational programs. This can also have an emotional impact on mental health, making it difficult to focus on academics for both students and teachers. In addition, teacher salaries “have decreased steadily over the past few years” (par. 13) which makes it difficult to attract and retain qualified educators. There can also be an even greater decline in morale, and job satisfaction, which ultimately impacts teaching effectiveness. Standardized testing is a problem too since it “[reduces] focus on non-tested subjects like art.” (par. 14) Educators are more focused on preparing students for specific exam content rather than teaching a broader understanding of subjects which leads to students missing out on developing important thinking and problem-solving skills. These tests also don’t fully capture the diverse talents and abilities of students, leading to a one-size-fits-all approach.

Improvements

To fix the issues in American education, we need to improve focus on comprehensive curriculum reforms, invest in teacher training and support, and encourage parents to become more involved in their children’s education. In 5 Ways Policy Makers Can Improve the Quality of Education (2019), the author argues that “overcrowding…[has] been shown to be less effective” (par. 4) due to limited teacher-student interaction. With a large number of students in a classroom, teachers struggle to provide individual attention, hindering personalized assistance. Prioritizing funding is also essential and this can be done by “implement[ing] a progressive tax code” (par. 8), meaning, taxing wealthy individuals and corporations to invest more in the public education system. This would enable schools to invest in updated textbooks, technology, and educational materials. With such high budgets, schools can attract and retain qualified teachers, and smaller class sizes could be possible because of the increased hiring. Not only can this help students and teachers but this also allows for the renovations of schools, creating safer and more conductive spaces for students and staff. Schools can also expand extracurricular activities, allowing students to explore any interests further.

In How to Improve Education Quality: Proven Methods for Tangible Results (2023), the author “[encourages] parental involvement and engagement [because it’s] crucial for improving education quality.” (Insights, par. 32) When parents get involved in their child’s school life, it helps the child in many ways. Actively engaged parents provide a crucial support system, boosting their child’s confidence and motivation. By participating in parent-teacher conferences, it allows parents to understand how best to assist their child, preventing academic challenges from escalating. Besides, students with involved parents often demonstrate heightened accountability, taking their studies more seriously. Reinforcing the value of education at home through dedicated homework time or shared reading enhances a student’s grasp of key concepts. Beyond academics, parental engagement in school activities and emotional support fosters holistic growth, extending beyond mere academic achievement. The author shares that “project-based learning and hands-on activities” can help since they “promote active learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students.” (par. 39) This method makes learning more interesting and relevant, allowing students to pay more attention and boost their motivation. Through collaborative projects, they can learn how to work in a team and communicate better with others. These projects also allow them to really understand what they’re learning, rather than just simply memorizing things. Not only does this approach allow them to learn better, but it also allows them to be creative and become better at solving problems. Most importantly, mental health should be prioritized too since students are “more engaged” and “are better equipped to succeed academically and in life.” (par. 53) By being able to foster a supportive and inclusive environment, students can improve their well-being, leading to not having any stress or anxiety. Being able to access mental health resources ensures timely support for any challenges students may face.

Conclusion

In summary, the decline of American education is a multifaceted issue with repercussions for students, teachers, and the nation as a whole. To reverse this trend, investing in teacher training and support, fostering parental involvement, and improving what students learn is imperative. By making sure that schools have adequate funding, issues like overcrowding, hiring qualified educators, and safer learning environments can be fixed. Most importantly, encouraging parents to actively participate in their children’s education not only provides crucial support but also contributes to their child’s social, emotional, physical, mental, and intellectual growth. Emphasizing project-based learning and mental health support further enhances the education experience. If we work together — teachers, students, parents, and leaders — we can embark on a transformative journey to revitalize and elevate the American education system.

References

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