Unequal access to learning opportunities
Since opening its first free public school in 1634, the American
public education system is one of the country’s oldest and most dynamic
institutions. The noble cause of providing universal education also
comes with a long list of challenges. This article highlights some of
the key issues within the American public education system, and how
today’s technology might offer some unique solutions.
Though there is no absolute relation between funding and great results, year after year, wealthy school districts excel in standardized testing while urban and rural school districts frequently fail to meet achievement targets. Jay Greene, author of “Education Myths,” points out that schools need infrastructure, good teachers, resources, libraries, play grounds, and so much more to offer a solid learning environment. All of these factors require money.
Ultimately,
these funding differences stack the deck against students from poorer
neighborhoods, many of whom are already struggling on a variety of
non-academic levels. Unfortunately, many may never manage
to bridge the gap. Despite (or perhaps because of) constant debate on
Capitol Hill, the education system in America often seems to reinforce
the socioeconomic gap between the rich and poor, rather than addressing
it.
Chart courtesy The Economic Mobility Project, from the report “Economic Mobility in America: Is the American Dream Alive and Well?”
Fareed Zakharia, a journalist and author specializing in international relations, trade, and American foreign policy, states that:
“Education is the engine of mobility. And for all its current troubles, many countries in Europe – especially in northern Europe – have done a much better job providing high quality public education [than the United States], particularly for those who are not rich or upper middle class.”
There are no simple solutions to such complex problems. However, virtual classrooms and virtual schools are less dependent on local and regional political policies, structured funding, or physical location. No matter how wealthy or poor a student’s background, if they can access the Internet (which in some cases is a big “if”), they can access and benefit from quality online educational resources, and use these to bridge the gap toward better educational outcomes and improved opportunities.
As with all things educational, however, there are no silver bullets. Student motivation and academic support (whether from school staff, family, or the larger community) are vital to success, even as online learning helps level the playing field for students of all backgrounds.
One result of these policies is that gifted students aren’t pushed beyond what’s required to pass the test. According to the National Association for Gifted Children, there are approximately 3 million academically gifted children in the US in grades K-12 (approximately 6% of the student population). Many public schools are no longer adequately equipped to deal with gifted students, which can lead to everything from discipline issues (due to boredom), to simply not helping them live up to their potential.
On the other hand, students with special needs (or even those who learn best at a slower pace or with non-traditional approaches) feel the pressure to pass high stakes exams, losing the opportunity to genuinely learn. Special education teachers tell all too frequent stories of students being pushed out of districts or denied school choice because they will potentially lower average test scores.
Virtual classrooms, on the other hand, allow a limited teaching staff to provide differentiated instruction to all learners, tailoring their classes and dividing their time more effectively. While we talk about students with disabilities as having “special needs,” it’s important to recognize that all students have special, individual educational needs, whether they are gifted, average, struggling, or disabled.
Unequal access to learning opportunities
The first issue plaguing the US public school system is unequal access to learning opportunities. American public schools are funded in large part by property taxes, and so schools in wealthy neighborhoods often flourish, enjoying the best teachers, state-of-the-art equipment, and uncrowded classrooms, while schools in less affluent areas consistently suffer due to lack of funds.Though there is no absolute relation between funding and great results, year after year, wealthy school districts excel in standardized testing while urban and rural school districts frequently fail to meet achievement targets. Jay Greene, author of “Education Myths,” points out that schools need infrastructure, good teachers, resources, libraries, play grounds, and so much more to offer a solid learning environment. All of these factors require money.
Ultimately,
these funding differences stack the deck against students from poorer
neighborhoods, many of whom are already struggling on a variety of
non-academic levels. Unfortunately, many may never manage
to bridge the gap. Despite (or perhaps because of) constant debate on
Capitol Hill, the education system in America often seems to reinforce
the socioeconomic gap between the rich and poor, rather than addressing
it.Chart courtesy The Economic Mobility Project, from the report “Economic Mobility in America: Is the American Dream Alive and Well?”
Fareed Zakharia, a journalist and author specializing in international relations, trade, and American foreign policy, states that:
“Education is the engine of mobility. And for all its current troubles, many countries in Europe – especially in northern Europe – have done a much better job providing high quality public education [than the United States], particularly for those who are not rich or upper middle class.”
There are no simple solutions to such complex problems. However, virtual classrooms and virtual schools are less dependent on local and regional political policies, structured funding, or physical location. No matter how wealthy or poor a student’s background, if they can access the Internet (which in some cases is a big “if”), they can access and benefit from quality online educational resources, and use these to bridge the gap toward better educational outcomes and improved opportunities.
As with all things educational, however, there are no silver bullets. Student motivation and academic support (whether from school staff, family, or the larger community) are vital to success, even as online learning helps level the playing field for students of all backgrounds.
Teaching to the test
Standardized testing systems and the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act have led to a focus on getting all students to pass specific tests. While the system is touted as “student-centric,” in truth it creates a stressful learning environment, derailing the learning process at all levels.One result of these policies is that gifted students aren’t pushed beyond what’s required to pass the test. According to the National Association for Gifted Children, there are approximately 3 million academically gifted children in the US in grades K-12 (approximately 6% of the student population). Many public schools are no longer adequately equipped to deal with gifted students, which can lead to everything from discipline issues (due to boredom), to simply not helping them live up to their potential.
On the other hand, students with special needs (or even those who learn best at a slower pace or with non-traditional approaches) feel the pressure to pass high stakes exams, losing the opportunity to genuinely learn. Special education teachers tell all too frequent stories of students being pushed out of districts or denied school choice because they will potentially lower average test scores.
Virtual classrooms, on the other hand, allow a limited teaching staff to provide differentiated instruction to all learners, tailoring their classes and dividing their time more effectively. While we talk about students with disabilities as having “special needs,” it’s important to recognize that all students have special, individual educational needs, whether they are gifted, average, struggling, or disabled.
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