Standing Up For Education
Education is one of the key ingredients to success. However, there is an ongoing problem with education that exists all over America, generally, amongst minorities in poverty ridden regions. “Education should have no colors or boundaries. Everyone should have an equal opportunity to learn” (Adams 5). The fact of the matter is that there are several things that make this difficult. One major problem is that there is no equality when distributing educational funds. Another problem is that there is not enough parental involvement. Finally, the teachers who are depended upon to provide education- they are greatly over-worked and under-paid. This is not a good recipe for “equal high quality education for all” (Patterson 2). Thus, in order to solve the problem with education there needs to be equal allocation of funding, more parental involvement, and a reduction in the work load of teachers. Equal allocation of funding is the first step to solving the problem with education. “What strikes me about the current debate about financing education is that the only time it seems that you hear anything about money not being important to education is when it is in relation to the education of minorities” (Tyler 11B). However, this should not be taken sitting down. If funds are allocated equally then access to quality education will be provided for all. One way to ensure access is through the implementation of educational programs. This is impossible without resources which can be expanded with proper or equal funding. Resources are fundamental in the start-up and continuance of programs with regard to education. In addition to this, equal funding also paves the way for equal opportunities. “We shouldn’t have a system from when a child steps foot in a pre-K or Kindergarten classroom that they have vastly different opportunities based solely on their zip code or the community they live in” (Adams 5). In taking this step everyone will get the opportunity to prepare for life and in turn, to succeed in life. Therefore, equal allocation of funding is a necessary step to solving the problem with education. The second step to solving the problem with education is more parental involvement. “Parental involvement in education is an important factor in student achievement” (Gould 29). Participation at school is one way for parents to get involved. For example, they can volunteer; giving aid to both the teachers and the students. Parents can also encourage student participation in-class and in extra-curricular activities. Another way of getting involved is by chipping in at home. In doing so, parents can assist with homework assignments and help with projects. More importantly, since students spend the majority of their time with parents, it is up to the parent to instill or stress educational value. “The solution to the problem will require a concentrated effort by parents who must make education a priority for their children” (Tyler 11B). Therefore, parental involvement is a necessary step to solving the problem with education. The third and final step to solving the problem with education is to reduce the work load of teachers. Outside of the fact that teachers do not have the tools needed to educate- there is not enough time to get everything done. In fact, “just about the only thing they have enough of is burnout” (Anonymous 6C). A lighter work load will reduce stress. Hiring assistant teachers is a good way to do this. They can take care of things that take away from teachers being able to educate. In addition to reducing stress, a lighter work load can or will increase teacher to student benefits. For instance, if teachers are motivated and have the time to do exactly what they are being paid for- then students can be inspired and pushed to learn. In turn, everyone enjoys the educational experience. “Schools are only as good as the people who teach there” (Anonymous 6C) therefore, reducing the work load of teachers is a necessary step to solving the problem with education. It is obvious that without education; in this nation, there is no real chance at life. Education opens doors to numerous opportunities for some. Everyone should have equal right to acquire education, as well as, equal opportunity to benefit from education but that is not the case. It is no secret that those who are already less fortunate suffer most in the problem with education. This is why it is imperative to stand up and begin taking steps toward solving the problem. If this is not done there will be no forward motion; there will be no way. “We cannot give up on our future” (Tyler 11B).
Works Cited
Adams, Samuel. “Jackson’s education march rallies the faithful over school funding.” Chicago Defender Oct. 16/Oct. 17 2006: 101, 94: Proquest: 5.
Anonymous. “Providing the best environment for teachers.” La Prensa 21 June 2009: 6C.
Gould, Jonathon A. “DOES IT REALLY TAKE A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD (OR JUST A PARENT?): AN EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE MEMBERS OF THE RESIDENCE OF A MIDDLE-SCHOOL STUDENT AND THE STUDENT’S SATISFACTION WITH SCHOOL.” Education Fall 2011: 132, 1: ProQuest Research Library: 28-38.
Patterson, Demetrius. “Jackson, Quinn discuss statewide education ballot initiative.” Chicago Defender Oct. 16/Oct. 17 2006: 101,94: Proquest: 5.
Tyler, Mark. “With education, how much does money matter?” Philadelphia Tribune 22 May 2011: 11B.
Cited: Adams, Samuel. “Jackson’s education march rallies the faithful over school funding.” Chicago Defender Oct. 16/Oct. 17 2006: 101, 94: Proquest: 5. Anonymous. “Providing the best environment for teachers.” La Prensa 21 June 2009: 6C. Gould, Jonathon A. “DOES IT REALLY TAKE A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD (OR JUST A PARENT?): AN EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE MEMBERS OF THE RESIDENCE OF A MIDDLE-SCHOOL STUDENT AND THE STUDENT’S SATISFACTION WITH SCHOOL.” Education Fall 2011: 132, 1: ProQuest Research Library: 28-38. Patterson, Demetrius. “Jackson, Quinn discuss statewide education ballot initiative.” Chicago Defender Oct. 16/Oct. 17 2006: 101,94: Proquest: 5. Tyler, Mark. “With education, how much does money matter?” Philadelphia Tribune 22 May 2011: 11B.
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