Education is one of the most important topics in America today because of its' ongoing significance with each successive generation. Education preps each generation with the materials necessary to carry the weight of the country.
While it's a dramatic statement, it is nonetheless true-think about it. All the material a student accumulates in high school goes to be utilized in college, which then strengthens the student's knowledge and ability in a particular field. This block of knowledge allows them to get a job and apply their purpose, and what they wish to do for the country. The combined collection of all these different people adding their influences and specialties support the country, allowing all of the social structures of the country to function. The current 9.1% unemployment rate means that 9.1% of the American population is not adding to the abilities and knowledge of the country, leading to negative effect to these social structures ( i.e. economy).
I believe that one of the biggest realizations educators and students must come to is the one printed above. A heavy emphasis on the individual and their importance to this system must be expressed here. If education is the backbone of America, taking out just one disc would throw off the entire system.
The approach to education must also shift towards an acceptance to the fact that memorizing a list of facts will not teach material to students. Many teachers and schools take this approach towards their material, and any student will tell you that if they have a history test the next day they can easily memorize the facts and forget all the material the moment the test is turned in. Nothing is learned at this point and the time and money of the students, teachers, and school districts are wasted.
Of course, I cannot help but put half the blame on the people learning as well. Many students want to complain about the workload, etc, etc. I am even guilty of this on occasion. With that said, based on my own observations, if different styles of teachings were utilized in schools then students would be more inclined to learn. Not everyone learns or thinks in the same manner, and if we are able to move towards change in the Education Department then we can aid in the education dilemma.
I believe schools should move towards a more personalized system. My logic behind it being this: by helping and adding individual attention to a student then that pupil has a better chance of using what they learn to their own advantage, and in the long run, the advantage of the country. Not everyone learns at the same pace or with the same method, and that is O.K. As long as the standards and necessary information are taught in addition to elective courses, the goal of education is accomplished. Only when our educators and leaders finally realize the value and importance of education can we truly reach our potential.
While I do not claim to have the highest knowledge or be an expert on all educational skills, I know there is a problem when I see students my own age despising a book or hating to learn or having a true problem with school. As we are the public, it is our duty to bring these problems up to the officials who do have power and the necessary information to change this. By doing this, we would be better equipping the next generation with the same job.