Importance of Education

The article I chose to examine this week was taken from The Washington Post, and entitled, “Poll: Most Americans no longer think college education is ‘very important’.” The article presents information from the 46th annual PDK-Gallop poll, which has been seen as presenting a solid picture of where public sentiment lies on education issues. The findings suggest that there is a growing distrust in the American education system, and that the general population believes teachers are not receiving proper training prior to entering their professions. Specific findings include:

· Six of 10 Americans said entrance requirements into teacher preparation programs should be more rigorous.

· 61% of Americans opposed using student standardized test scores to evaluate teachers.

· For the first time in the five years that we asked the question, American trust and confidence in teachers declined; nonetheless a majority of Americans (64%) said they trust teachers.

· A majority of Americans (58%) said the curriculum used in their community’s schools needs to change.

· More Americans agree than disagree that students should have shorter summer breaks and longer breaks at other times of year — akin to a year-round school scenario.

Research suggests that their mistrust in public education is not entirely unwarranted. Opposition to standardized testing has been long been on the rise throughout the country, including our state of Wisconsin. The MAP test, for example, has received sharp criticism from teachers in Milwaukee who feel this standardized test is not accurate in determining a student’s potential. In an article from the website www.rethinkingschools.com entitled, “Testing Our Limits,” teachers from the Milwaukee Public School system cite examples of students who don’t know how to use computers being forced to take these tests, as well as ESL student who have trouble understanding the language that is being presented to them; both of which lead to inaccurate measures of success. Standardized testing is not indicative of a school’s potential, and should be reconsidered as an accurate means of measuring achievement in students and teachers.

In addition to opposing standardized tests as a means for measuring the success of teachers, trust of teachers is now on the decline according to this newly released poll. It would be interesting to see in what areas and demographics there is the largest amount of distrust amongst parents. One could make the argument that as a district loses funding and resources, the quality of teaching may significantly decline as a result of teachers wanting to teach at better schools (In addition to not having adequate resources).

Research conducted through the Coleman Report also lends support to the idea that students should have shorter summer breaks. In what has come to be known as “seasonal learning,” the report suggests that the greatest regression in learning occurs at the home during the time students are not in school- namely summer vacation. Despite the fact students may see equal advances in their education, it is oftentimes those of low socioeconomic standing that have the most to lose when not in school. Shortening the time in which a student is not in school may help to lessen the impact of seasonal learning.