Education Reform: Three Ideas for the Next Four Years

Posted on January 9, 2013 by

ID-10076117There is no doubt in my mind: the American education system is in deep trouble and needs reform.  According to a recently published report of the world’s best education systems by the education firm, Pearson, the US ranked 17th of 40 developed countries.  Finland and South Korea, leading the study, received high rankings because they “tend to offer teachers higher status in society and have a “culture” of education.”

As a 22-year veteran California teacher, I live this every day.  In recent years, I have witnessed the decline in the culture of education in my community as well as nationwide.  While some might think funding is the root of all problems, I have some other ideas about how we can start to tackle education reform in America:

  1.  Put students first.  We need to start every discussion around the concept of what students need, not what the district needs, the state needs, or the federal government needs.  Students are our clientele, and we need to make decisions as if we were creating reform for our own children.  Thinking about kids first, and creating reform that is best for educating, nurturing and protecting ALL students is the first step.
  2. Create opportunities for student engagement.  America needs to reform our thinking about the primary purpose of schools: is it to churn out a citizen who is proficient at bubbling in answers on a test, or to develop creative, innovative, collaborative citizens?  By prioritizing the arts, humanities, and sciences equally, we allow children opportunities to learn in a variety of disciplines.  Honoring student exploration and discovery alongside standards will help develop confident, creative adults who can tackle the global issues facing their generation.
  3. Invest in teacher training.  Like any profession, teachers need relevant, high quality training to move forward.  America needs to support teachers by providing professional development as part of a teacher’s contract, with time to implement and refine throughout the school year.  Training that is focused on student-centered strategies, led by qualified educators with like-minded goals, will strengthen our workforce and help bring American schools back to the top of the world’s education systems.

So what can we do?  Do we sit back and watch our systems disintegrate, watch quality teachers leave the profession, and see our students stifled, bored, and falling behind? I think not. Now is the time to let your voice be heard. Stand up for education reform – our children deserve it.

*image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

Jennifer Wolfe

Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.

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Comments: 13

  • Google

    April 19, 2013

    Google…

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  • Google

    April 17, 2013

    Google…

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    Reply
  • Jessica

    January 15, 2013

    Really liked this! You summarize the issues really well. I also just started a blog as a teacher, mom, and doctoral candidate in education, and I love finding other blogs that are talking about the same issues!

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      January 15, 2013

      Hi Jessica,
      It’s always great to meet other like-minded people…teacher moms are my favorites! I’m excited to get to know you, and will be stopping by your blog!

      Reply
  • Mignon

    January 10, 2013

    I like this post, enjoyed this one appreciate it for putting up.

    Reply
  • My Inner Chick

    January 10, 2013

    –One thing I’ve never understood….

    Why isn’t education a ((((TOP)))) prioriy?

    I mean, these kids are the next leaders, doctors, Presidents!! x

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      January 13, 2013

      I’m right there with you. It boggles my brain how people and corporations don’t blink an eye about excess spending…and if they spent a day in a public school, and saw what we have to wrok with in terms of facility, supplies, etc…you get what you pay for, in many respects.

      Reply
  • Jennifer Kennedy

    January 9, 2013

    Another hot issue is teacher evaluation, most of which relies heavily on standardized testing. This seems like the way education is going, but it will be best used as a means of providing effective professional development as you mentioned 😉 .

    Another point I would add to the list would be Parental Involvement — and not necessarily coming to the students’ classroom to help out — but more so what to do at home with your students that can help. I had parents who were completely hands off, some who didn’t know they had to read to their children (I taught younger kids), and others who tried to fight against me although we were there for the same purpose — the student. (I did have some fantastic parents, too!!)

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      January 10, 2013

      Hi Jennifer,
      I completely agree with you. Teacher evaluation is starting to look like a method for teacher punishment; teachers will avoid working in areas with kids who aren’t meeting quotas, which will be just hurt everyone. I believe in reform for evaluation in a balanced approach-not all on test scores. How can we quantify the improvement we help foster in self-confidence, emotional growth, and overall happiness about school? That doesn’t always show right up in test scores. And parental involvement-huge. Especially as you say in the younger grades. I also do a lot of work with parenting teens-that can be tricky! Thanks so much for commenting-I appreciate your insight! -Jennifer

      Reply
  • can t sleep

    January 9, 2013

    Hi, just wanted to mention, I loved this post.
    It was practical. Keep on posting!

    Reply
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