From Ranking Shame to Censorship Blame: The Dark Reality of American Education
Unveiling the Crisis in American Education and Its Impact on Society
We are denigrating the education of our future Americans to ensure we have the most ignorant people in the world for at least the next two generations. I say “we” because we vote for the fools who run our politics and the absurdity they give us. The educational system in the United States has faced substantial challenges in recent years, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges led to the country’s ranking in education compared to other industrialized nations. The challenges come from frustration experienced by teachers during the pandemic, and now, the growing attack on educational content by politicians, particularly in states like Florida and Texas. Here I will explore the current state of education in the USA, which is supposed to be a superpower, including education levels.
The United States often lags behind other industrialized countries when examining education levels. According to the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) rankings, which assesses the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students in reading, mathematics, and science, the USA consistently falls behind countries like Finland, Singapore, and Canada. The National Center for Education Statistics also reports that American students’ performance in math and reading has remained relatively stagnant over the past decade.
Frustrations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to the education system in the USA. The sudden shift to remote learning highlighted the existing disparities in access to technology and internet connectivity, leaving many students without proper resources for effective learning. Some students did not even have a computer at home! Yet, teachers had to quickly adapt their teaching methods to online platforms, often facing obstacles such as limited student engagement and difficulty assessing student progress. I witnessed this from the parent side as there were no systems to help teachers or parents during the pandemic.
Teacher Exodus and Low Morale
Before the pandemic, I would volunteer to teach a class on career day about my journey and options for students. I noticed teacher burnout then. I also noticed students’ lack of confidence in the education system. The pandemic exacerbated existing issues within the education system, leading to a surge in teachers leaving their jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that approximately 300,000 public school educators quit between February 2020 and May 2022. The stressful working conditions, increased workload, health concerns, and lack of support during the pandemic contributed to low morale and burnout among teachers.
Politically Driven Attacks on Education
In addition to the problems brought by the pandemic, there is growing concern over politically motivated attacks on educational content in the United States, particularly in states like Florida and Texas. These attacks involve book bans and restrictions on teaching fact-based history about enslavement, the civil war, LGBTQ+ issues, transgender topics, and diverse perspectives. All these conservative movements will produce children and future citizens that can mindlessly repeat the pledge of allegiance but without the skillset for critical thinking, thus, perpetuating a narrow worldview, and preventing students from understanding the complexities of society.
In the news story above, this teacher was fired for teaching! She is a teacher in Austin, Texas, who faced disciplinary action for teaching students about their constitutional rights. Sophia DeLoretto-Chudy made a TikTok video documenting the administration’s concerns, which went viral (see the video at the end of the article). She had conducted a lesson on Hitler’s use of education, discussing propaganda and students’ rights compared to those in 1940s Germany. We should be concerned with this now as many State legislatures create the same environment that led to a monster like Hitler.
Some students used their initiative from the lesson learned and protested the pledge of allegiance as part of their newfound understanding of freedom of speech, leading to accusations of “indoctrination” by the administration. Sophia had previous clashes with the school regarding discussing women’s health–yes, for discussing menstruation with students. She was eventually recommended for termination based on alleged disruptive communication and diminished effectiveness.
The incident highlights controversies surrounding fact-based education in Texas, including banning books featuring marginalized characters. Teacher shortages and low pay further exacerbate the situation. Despite the setbacks, Sophia plans to focus on nonprofit work and motivating young voters. The incident raises concerns about teaching freedom and the importance of fostering critical thinking and civil rights in education.
Impact on Education and Society
The restrictions on educational content and the exclusion of diverse perspectives can have long-term consequences for students’ understanding of history, social issues, and acceptance of diversity. Education should foster critical thinking, empathy, and an appreciation for different cultures and identities. Limiting the scope of education to a narrow and biased perspective can hinder students’ ability to engage with a diverse world.
The plights faced by the American education system, from its ranking compared to other industrialized nations to the frustrations experienced by teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic, are further compounded by politically driven attacks on educational content. It’s like breaking the legs and arms of an already crippled man. It is crucial for educators, policymakers, and communities to work together to prioritize a comprehensive and inclusive education that equips students with the skills to navigate an increasingly complex and diverse world. By acknowledging the importance of fact-based history, embracing diversity, and fostering critical thinking, we can strive for an education system that empowers future generations.
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In the book, I highlight how to select the right candidate for any office as the one you vote for. Luckily, in politics in America, politicians don’t hide who they are or shy away from telling you their plans when they get into office. Yet, when they do crazy things like ban books and restrict voting rights, we are surprised and disappointed with them. In my book, I am clear on how to select the right candidate for you and to signal that all others need not waste their deposit and run.
