Public Education System in America
671,616. This was the number of international students studying in the United States higher education system in 2008. While America continues to attract thousands of students from all over the world to its prestigious undergraduate and graduate colleges, it is the public school system that is being put under a magnifying glass and being scrutinized. Low rates of attendance, poor school funding and low teacher salaries are just some of the factors that contribute to the faulty public education system in America. The recently released documentary “Waiting for Superman” takes the audience through an emotional journey explaining to them what is wrong within the system and how people can make a difference to change it.
A well made video by CBS not only talks about the problem, but gives a plausible solution. It shows how much a difference it would make in outcomes, by changing some key aspects in the system. A basic level education is essential for the nation to move forward, and studies have shown that students who do not graduate from high school are eight times as likely to end up in jail. While some reforms have been made, the public school system needs to be made a priority before the next few generations are affected by it. What do you think about some of these strategies that are suggested?
Udit Hinduja is a Program and Research intern with the SISGI Group’s Research Division. To learn more about the SISGI Group please visit www.sisgigroup.org.
