This weeks article focuses on income disparity over race, in
terms of education inequality. The article tells us, that as the gap between
incomes grows, so does the gap between quality in education. While this is
discernably true, it does not take into account all the factors involved. This
type of statement does not include the child’s environment, both social and
cultural, or what level of poverty the child suffers from. The term income
inequality is so generic it can mean different levels of wealth. There is no
indicator in the article if there are disparities at specific levels of wealth.
Possibly, more specific research in this area can help figure out where
problems will be, not just where they are now, if this trend continues.
The article also references counter measures taken by
schools to combat income disparity. The schools where these measures are in
place are a pre-K in Boston, a high school in Brooklyn, and a charter school in
Chicago. The steps taken are high academic standards, on going support for
students and teachers, and common sense accountability. What makes this
appealing is you can infer that red tape usually associated with school reform
is little to non-existent with these types of changes. Words like “common sense
accountability” takes away from the impression that teacher must meet generic
and counter productive government standards to keep their jobs. I would assume
that most teachers, particularly those who are dedicated, would embrace a
philosophy that would free them up to teach “to learn”, not teach “to test”.
As Americans continue to see economic markets and career
options shrink, there is desperation to prepare our youth for the future. The
problem is we are being reactive and not proactive. Unfortunately, there is no
sign that the middle class is returning or that income disparity is declining.
If this article says anything significant, it is that education is the key to
out future. The American education system has “some deeply rooted problems,” however;
there is recognition that we need to save our education system. Hopefully, more
“common sense” measure will be taken nation wide.
I liked your spin reaction to the class material, that being how can we as a society work on building on what we do or do not have rather than funneling what we have left into desperate repair work on a system that has failed us consistently.
ReplyDeleteMy take on the issue was pretty much that we are spending too much time thinking of ways to bring the rich down, than we are thinking of ways to bring society in general up to their level.
The thing about education is that it is a problem so immense that no one generation is likely to "fix" it, however any one person is capable of working at an issue if they put themselves to it, and we as a society could enact massive changes in our educational system if only were to focus our efforts and attentions into rebuilding and restructuring its purpose.
Perhaps if our educational system focused more on creating students who can fill gaps in our workforce, or fill new and undiscovered spaces, then we would begin to see some turn around, for this to happen however we as a collective would have to work at finding where these new and vacant niches are within our workforce.
Hello everyone,
ReplyDeleteWhat were the articles strong points? My guess would be the focus on income disparity over race. I think this is good point because of the factors you listed which are not taken into factor. Such as the child’s environment, the child’s cultural and social beliefs, and what current level the child suffers from.
I agree with you that the term of inequality is so “generic”. More money more problems are what a rapper named Biggie Smalls said. That’s about as proactive as we have gotten since the 90’s. Since, then the middle class in education seems to have disappeared. It’s either your upper class or the exact opposite.
Overall, I would like to comment that I totally agree with the quality of education. It’s a shame that depending on the funding of the parent or the child’s environment the kids becomes defined by his or her surrounding. I think this is where the child accepts the condition of the environment. For instances, in my village people who don’t want to attend schools become traditional. Traditional does not mean education. Education is an investment, and certain families take advantage of too many free things.
My insight on your blog is as follows, “The winner of the rat race is still a rat!”
May those that attain success give it back to the communities to ensure that no one has to suffer? Not to mention that kids should not be defined by income. Kids are kids.
I agree with Christian, the problem is too big, and not one generation is going to fix it. We as a society are too impulsive, and want a miracle. No body seems to be willing to do anything about it except write books, journals, articles, etc. I think Christian has a great point of view, lets create students who can fill the gaps in our workforce!