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Decades of Failing Schools: How They Hurt Children and Teachers

Mitch Foster

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Published in Misplaced Blame: Decades Of Failing Schools Their Children And Their Teachers

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For decades, schools in the United States have been failing our children and our teachers. This is a complex issue with no easy solutions, but it is one that we must address if we want to create a better future for our country.

Misplaced Blame: Decades of Failing Schools, Their Children, and Their Teachers

by Bonnie Johnson

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	173 pages

The Causes of Failing Schools

There are many factors that contribute to the failure of schools. Some of the most common include:

Poverty: Children who grow up in poverty are more likely to attend schools that are underfunded and overcrowded. These schools often have fewer resources and less experienced teachers, which can make it difficult for students to succeed.
Inequality: The gap between rich and poor schools is growing wider in the United States. This inequality is often reflected in the quality of education that students receive. Students who attend schools in wealthy districts have access to better resources and more experienced teachers, while students who attend schools in poor districts often do not.
Segregation: Schools in the United States are often segregated by race and class. This segregation can lead to unequal access to educational opportunities for students of color and low-income students.
Racism: Racism is a systemic problem that affects all aspects of society, including education. Racism can lead to discrimination against students of color in schools, which can make it difficult for them to succeed.
Standardized testing: Schools are increasingly being held accountable for the performance of their students on standardized tests. This focus on standardized testing can lead to schools narrowing their curriculum and teaching to the test, which can stifle creativity and critical thinking.
Accountability: Schools are also being held accountable for the performance of their teachers. This focus on accountability can lead to schools firing teachers who are not meeting certain standards, even if those teachers are effective in the classroom.
Teacher quality: The quality of teaching is one of the most important factors in student success. However, teacher quality is often difficult to measure, and schools are often not given the resources they need to recruit and retain high-quality teachers.
School choice: Parents are increasingly being given the choice to send their children to private schools or charter schools. This school choice movement can lead to schools competing for students, which can lead to schools cutting corners and lowering standards.

The Impact of Failing Schools

The failure of schools has a devastating impact on children and teachers. For children, failing schools can lead to:

Lower academic achievement
Lower graduation rates
Higher dropout rates
Increased poverty
Increased crime

For teachers, failing schools can lead to:

Job dissatisfaction
Burnout
Early retirement

What Can Be Done?

There are many things that can be done to improve the situation of failing schools. Some of the most important include:

Investing in early childhood education: Research shows that investing in early childhood education can help children to succeed in school and life.
Reducing poverty: Poverty is one of the biggest barriers to educational success. By reducing poverty, we can help to create a level playing field for all students.
Desegregating schools: Desegregating schools can help to break down the barriers of racism and inequality. It can also help to improve the quality of education for all students.
Addressing racism: Racism is a systemic problem that must be addressed in all aspects of society, including education. By addressing racism, we can help to create a more just and equitable society for all.
Reforming standardized testing: Standardized testing can be a useful tool for assessing student learning, but it should not be the only measure of student success. By reforming standardized testing, we can help schools to focus on teaching the whole child.
Reforming accountability: Schools should be held accountable for the performance of their students, but this accountability should be fair and reasonable. By reforming accountability, we can help schools to focus on improving teaching and learning.
Improving teacher quality: The quality of teaching is one of the most important factors in student success. By improving teacher quality, we can help to ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education.
Expanding school choice: Parents should have the choice to send their children to the school that best meets their needs. By expanding school choice, we can help to create a more competitive and innovative education system.

Improving the situation of failing schools is not an easy task, but it is one that is essential for the future of our country. By working together, we can create a more just and equitable education system that gives all children the opportunity to succeed.

Misplaced Blame: Decades of Failing Schools, Their Children, and Their Teachers

by Bonnie Johnson

5 out of 5