By: Tai Virgil
"The better the educational system, the higher advantage and opportunity at success you will have." Many would argue against, but I myself would agree.
As children, our developmental years of education are some of the most important as they shape, mold and teach us the keys to success. At a young age, although we may rarely realize it we are taught the importance of life lessons such as etiquette/behaivor, dealing with the opposite sex in an appropriate manner, following directions, and punctuality (just to name a few). What we take from these lessons normally prepare and prep us for the "real world", a world full of people with drive, ambition and most of all competition.
Unfortunately, not every child will receive the same quality of education, one of the main reasons being location. With statistics showing that students attending suburban school districts graduate at a much higher rate than those who don't, it raises the question if the quality of education that you receive determines your success. Being as though, school districts are funded by taxpayers throughout the city/town, the more money that it cost to live within an area the more money it is that goes towards the educational system of that area. In most cases, rural areas pay higher taxes than urban areas, leaving the educational system with an advantage funds wise.
Regrettably, children do not have the ability to chose where they live meaning that the educational system provided to each child is a gamble. Those who are fortunate enough to live in an area in which may offer a better educational system are provided with a higher advantage of success just through the tools offered to them. These tools include better books, more up to date technology, and sometimes even what may be considered as better “certified teachers” by society’s standards just through the use of funding.
Studies show that students who live in urban environments often change schools more frequently than those living in suburban environments in hopes of seeking for better education. In reality, it's the parents seeking brighter opportunities for their children. But, unfortunately the constant mobility of moving from school to school impairs a child's aptitude, causing them to become below grade level in the subjects of reading and math.
Because urban environments are labeled as violent and belligerent just through the showcase of media, many teachers are afraid to make the decision to work there. Causing not only staff to be scarce, but also breeding a sense of precaution when working with students. This causes a disconnect between the teachers and students, causing the educational connection from teacher to student to become less than heartfelt. It then becomes to the teacher "just a job".
It's important that we get our school districts all on one accord. Each child has an equal amount of potential when starting their first years of schooling, but in order to exercise this potential we must provide the necessary tools. This means that we must understand that students from different environments will go through different issues and problems so teachers must assess and assert themselves differently to get through to students. Suburban kids will not go through the same issues as urban kids. What they may see while walking to school in the morning, will not be the same as what one will see riding the bus. We must encourage teachers to become a louder voice and larger advocate for these issues. Budgeting must be made in the correct manner, while prioritizing the necessities of schools in each area. This means, we must make sure people that are in positions to do such jobs are qualified and motivated to take on such a large job.
This is a video of teachers a from New York City school district who speak about the issues of urban education.
"The better the educational system, the higher advantage and opportunity at success you will have." Many would argue against, but I myself would agree.
As children, our developmental years of education are some of the most important as they shape, mold and teach us the keys to success. At a young age, although we may rarely realize it we are taught the importance of life lessons such as etiquette/behaivor, dealing with the opposite sex in an appropriate manner, following directions, and punctuality (just to name a few). What we take from these lessons normally prepare and prep us for the "real world", a world full of people with drive, ambition and most of all competition.
Unfortunately, not every child will receive the same quality of education, one of the main reasons being location. With statistics showing that students attending suburban school districts graduate at a much higher rate than those who don't, it raises the question if the quality of education that you receive determines your success. Being as though, school districts are funded by taxpayers throughout the city/town, the more money that it cost to live within an area the more money it is that goes towards the educational system of that area. In most cases, rural areas pay higher taxes than urban areas, leaving the educational system with an advantage funds wise.
Regrettably, children do not have the ability to chose where they live meaning that the educational system provided to each child is a gamble. Those who are fortunate enough to live in an area in which may offer a better educational system are provided with a higher advantage of success just through the tools offered to them. These tools include better books, more up to date technology, and sometimes even what may be considered as better “certified teachers” by society’s standards just through the use of funding.
Studies show that students who live in urban environments often change schools more frequently than those living in suburban environments in hopes of seeking for better education. In reality, it's the parents seeking brighter opportunities for their children. But, unfortunately the constant mobility of moving from school to school impairs a child's aptitude, causing them to become below grade level in the subjects of reading and math.
Because urban environments are labeled as violent and belligerent just through the showcase of media, many teachers are afraid to make the decision to work there. Causing not only staff to be scarce, but also breeding a sense of precaution when working with students. This causes a disconnect between the teachers and students, causing the educational connection from teacher to student to become less than heartfelt. It then becomes to the teacher "just a job".
It's important that we get our school districts all on one accord. Each child has an equal amount of potential when starting their first years of schooling, but in order to exercise this potential we must provide the necessary tools. This means that we must understand that students from different environments will go through different issues and problems so teachers must assess and assert themselves differently to get through to students. Suburban kids will not go through the same issues as urban kids. What they may see while walking to school in the morning, will not be the same as what one will see riding the bus. We must encourage teachers to become a louder voice and larger advocate for these issues. Budgeting must be made in the correct manner, while prioritizing the necessities of schools in each area. This means, we must make sure people that are in positions to do such jobs are qualified and motivated to take on such a large job.
This is a video of teachers a from New York City school district who speak about the issues of urban education.
Meng Seng
ReplyDeleteI believe that urban schools are failing to educate and widening gap between urban and suburban. I agree with all your point that urban students achieve less in school, location, and urban students often change schools more frequently. But, i don't consider that many people from urban areas are willing to move to suburban area because many people do not have the ability or resources to move to a nicer neighborhood. Every parents wants their kids to have good education; however, I think it is important that we consider the government to provide more funding to urban school rather than funding prison. Overall, I think you had brings some really great point and the video is touching.
Aydaia Hills
ReplyDeleteyou couldnt have said it any better Tai i agree.