We are way overdo for completely revamping our educational system, from the ground up. From pre-school to post graduate school.
Our school system was designed for families that needed their children to work in the fields or in the family business. That’s why we have short school days and summer vacation. Nobody was ‘required’ by the government to attend school. Then only the very best and brightest went on to post secondary education.
A quick google search for “university freshman drop out rate” shows that the drop out rate isn’t limited to UAA, it’s wide spread, and has been a major problem for quite awhile. The same can be said about the 33% drop out rate of ASD, which is near the national average.
So let’s rid ourselves of the notion that this is merely a local problem. It’s bigger than that… much bigger. If we’re going to ‘fix’ whats wrong, we have to look at education in context with our changing culture. Kids aren’t needed like they were on the family farm or business, which means they have too much time on their hands. We have to consider the growing number of single parent households, and two earner families. We have to understand that many parents even when available are unable to help with homework due to their own education and limitations. We also need to focus on the main purpose of educating our children, preparing them to be productive members of society. We have to recognize that one-size-fits-all education fits very few well.
So first things. School vouchers. Parents know best what will work best for their children. I wouldn’t send my kids to a religious school, and probably not even a private school. But as long as the school meets state curriculum standards why should we care what they teach in addition? It would help reduce over crowding, and offer options for students with special needs.
Next. Full day, year round school for grades 7-12. 9-6 Monday through Friday. 12 week quarters with one week break in between. If we are serious about preparing our kids for life after school, they need to know that doesn’t mean 6 hour days and 3 months vacations every year.
We have to stop passing the buck. If a child isn’t ready to move on to the next grade then we need to hold them back. Passing kids because we don’t want them to have the stigma for being held back isn’t doing them, the other students, or the teachers any favors. At the very least students should be tested at 3rd, 6th and 9th grade to make sure they meet the minimum requirements to move on.
While every child should have the “opportunity” to go on to higher education, that doesn’t mean they all should go on. Some people just aren’t cut out for it, which is why I think we have so many college freshman dropouts. The final two years of high school should be tailored to the students post high school goals. Which could include enrolling at university, attending a technical school like AVTEC, Community and Technical College. or Charter College, Apprenticeship Opportunities or enlist in the military.
The goal shouldn’t be getting a diploma or certificate. The goal should be whatever is next for the student. When they enter high school, students should be encouraged to start thinking about what they may want to do after high school. Perhaps even have a required “Life Planning” course where they could investigate different alternatives and create their own path to life after High School. The last two years of high school would be focused on the student completing the things necessary for them to continue with their life plan, in and out of school.
As a fail safe, the Job Corps program should be expanded. There is no legitimate reason why there should be a 6 month waiting list to join the Alaska Job Corps
So are we ready and willing to quit pointing fingers and making the kind of fundamental, radical changes to our education system that our current results (or lack thereof) suggests we should? I doubt it. I don’t think there is the leadership in the school administration building, our local school board or the state board of education. But at the very least, lets acknowledge what the “real” problems are. It’s not parents. It’s not teachers. It’s not money. It’s an antiquated system that is well past the time for it to be overhauled.
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