The Flaws in the American Education System

Recently, I came across an interesting article about Baltimore Public Schools, which highlighted some concerning aspects of the American education system. Let's delve deeper into the intricacies of this issue.

Accumulating Issues at Baltimore County Public Schools

Baltimore County Public Schools serve 111,082 students, and while it is an “above average” school district, it does not reflect the overall quality of education in America. The student-to-teacher ratio is 15:1, and in 2021, they had a budget of $1.7 billion. This budget translates to 7,400 teachers, equating to 1,500 teachers per 22,500 students in a single class. On average, teachers are paid $70,542 per year, meaning the total annual salary for teachers is $522,010,800. This is less than a third of the district's budget, leaving a significant portion of it earmarked for other expenditures.

Despite such a substantial budget, the outcomes for students are strikingly poor. According to the data, only 22% of students can do math, and only 44% can read at an adequate level. What's more, the school district and teachers are left with little to no accountability for how the money is spent or how well their students perform.

The Question of Accountability and Incompetence

The question arises: What happens when a school district has an abundance of resources but fails to deliver meaningful education to its students? In Baltimore County, it appears that the administrators and voters might prioritize spending over student performance. This raises doubts about the competence of a significant number of teachers and administrators, hinting at an institutional failure to ensure that students receive the best education possible.

The Role of Religion in Education

A deepened understanding of the American education system involves the roles of religion and the influence it has had (or lacks) over centuries. The removal of religious influence from daily school life was intended to create a secular environment, but it has mutated into a godless and selfish one. This change has had a profound impact on the development of children, who no longer focus on good, true, moral, and virtuous values.

This shift has led to a general decline in the quality of education, with many schools prioritizing average students over those who excel. Teachers with degrees and thorough knowledge in their subjects are tasked with teaching in a system that often fails to capitalize on their expertise.

A Patchwork of School Systems

Given the lack of a unified nationwide educational system, the U.S. has 50 distinct educational entities, each with its own curriculum and funding arrangements. The federal government doles out money, but there is insufficient control over how it is used. Furthermore, the local control over education means that the quality of schooling varies significantly from state to state. Some states may reject evolution in favor of creationism, while others might support turning the nation into a Christian theocracy.

The Impact of Textbook Choices and Political Agendas

The selection of textbooks also plays a crucial role in shaping the educational experience. In states like Texas, the choices made by wealthy individuals can significantly impact not only their own state's students but also those in multiple others. This leads to a hodgepodge of educational materials, where some students may encounter downplayed history or omitted facts that alter their understanding of significant events.

Political Maneuvering and the Department of Education

Political ideologies further complicate the landscape of American education. President Jimmy Carter's establishment of a Department of Education, previously part of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, was not well-received by the Republicans, who have since worked to dismantle it. Despite their efforts, the department still exists, albeit with limited power. The issue is not just about federal control but also about ensuring that standards are established and maintained.

Similar to the Sputnik scare, which spiked funding for education and infrastructure, a new national panic could galvanize the nation and bring about much-needed reform. The political climate and the often conflicting goals of different parties only exacerbate the existing issues, leaving the American education system in a state of disarray.

In conclusion, the American education system, while not without its successes, often struggles with resource allocation, religious influence, and political maneuvering. Reform is necessary to ensure that all students receive the education they need to thrive in an increasingly complex world.