Friday, February 24, 2017
February 28...Public Schools!!!
Today's blog is a lead-in to a 20 minute Teach-In for Public Schools activity we will do in class on Tuesday. Pretend that someone you know says that public schools are a waste of time (inefficient, unnecessary, etc). Please take a few minutes and post a reply to this person. Feel free to draw on big picture stuff like the school-democratic society relationship or you can take a more personal tack and think about why you personally care about public schools (e.g., why you want to teach or do social work in one, etc.).
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
In response to this individual, I first want to point out the many benefits of public schools. First, these schools are most often located in the same communities that the students who attend it live in. This creates a really important sense of community and plays a huge role in the sociocultural context of how the students learn. They will grow up with the same friends that they play in the neighborhood with, the same mentors and neighbors from their childhood... it provides a consistency that is important for students development and needs (building rapport, trusting relationships, support systems, etc.). Secondly, public schools are much more diverse than private schools; they are more aligned with how the real world is and what students will encounter as adults in terms of differences and diversity (and treating people who are different than you with respect whether you agree with them or not!). One of the most important reasons (for me, at least) is that it gives all students a chance. A chance to be successful and have good teachers who care about them and want them to succeed. Public schools are open to anyone regardless of SES, race, gender, beliefs; no one is turned away! Oftentimes, too, public schools are equipped with highly-certified teachers who believe this mission is their calling, whether that be to serve in underprivileged inner-city schools or urban areas (or the suburbs). There are also a number of academic reasons as to why publics schools are just as good as private ones. According to studies, students who attend public schools actually score higher than those who attend private schools. The reason why private schools are sometimes perceived as better is because they very much cherry-pick the students who attend. It is easy to show that everyone is doing great when that is all that you allow in your school. And that is not a well-rounded education. That is not how the world and how society is. I am not saying that I am completely against private schools, but when I think about some of the students I have had in the past... public school is literally the only positive light in their life and the only hope they have for a better future. So to say that public schools are inefficient and unnecessary is unfair to them. They deserve an education just as much as each of us, and for them, the most feasible way is through public education.
ReplyDeleteIf someone were to say to me that public schools were a waste of time, my response would be very similar to Morsal's. However, before I were to bring up the many benefits of public education I would like for them to explain. I would be extremely curious to know why they feel that public schools are a waste of time, and if so, why they think private schools are the better option. To me, that seems like the most respectful way to approach the conversation. From there I would present the many benefits of education, many of which Morsal has listed and that I strongly agree with. I love that she brought up the point of consistency. In my experience, many students do not receive much, if any, consistency at home like they do at school. This is so important for their overall development and socialization. Another great point that I would also bring up is that public schools are very diverse. It is an environment that is able to expose children to a variety of cultures and perspectives that they might not get the opportunity to be exposed to elsewhere. Lastly, I think the chance to succeed and receive an education from teachers who care and strive to meet their student’s needs is one of the strongest arguments you can make about public education. Especially coming from any of us who have experience and are shortly going to have a classroom of our own. The public school system has its flaws, as most of us know, but (to me at least) the pros outweigh the cons, especially when compared to private school.
DeleteIf someone were to say that public schools are a waste of time, I would take the conversation, first, to a broader level. We touched on this in class a bit, but I truly believe that our public schools and all schools in general are a product of our society. Our society has created vast inequalities and breeds discrimination and exclusion and that is why we see that in our public school systems. Schools in upper-class neighborhoods have nicer facilities and an increased access to resources whereas a school in a low-income area does not necessarily have these same benefits. Due to some of these reasons, students in lower income areas may not perform as well in school because they are not in an environment that allows them to be successful. This is not their fault and this is not the fault of public schools. Our schools are a representation of the unequal society in which we live. Beyond this, however, I still do not agree that public schools are inefficient. Public schools graduate hundreds of thousands of students each year who then go on to be successful members of society. Also, attending public schools gives students a chance to learn social skills and diversity. I attended a public school until 8th grade and then attended a private high school so I have seen both worlds. From my experience, I cannot say that private education was any better than public education. Also, being in a private school did not offer me an opportunity to interact with people from different walks of life. To close, public education is not a waste of time. Are there flaws in the education system? Yes, of course. But public education has many benefits as well that should not be overlooked.
ReplyDeleteOn the societal side, public schools help shape our communities. Students are going to schools around the community in which they live, as opposed to private schools, where students come from all over. Public schools are also free, which means any one can get into these schools and get a great education and they don't have to be accepted in, also meaning everyone gets a free education. Teachers in public schools have more training than teachers in private schools, which means they are more qualified to help the students succeed. Public schools provide a lot more freedom as well, for students, families, and teachers.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I would ask the person who is stating that public schools are a waste of time how they think public schools are a waste of time. I would probably use that person’s arguments to parallel public and private schools and what public schools can offer that private schools can not, especially in terms of creating equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their socioeconomic status, family heritage, background, religion, etc. (private schools, with private agendas, have a harder time opening up their schools to everyone).
ReplyDeleteI am reminded of this quote from FDR when crafting an argument in my head: “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.” If we are to trust everybody in a nation with the choice to choose who they elect as representatives of their interests, educating people to think about their own interests (without dictating it to them) is probably the most important thing the government can do to save its people from becoming drones of the powerful. So I would probably ask that person if they are for a fair, equal, and successful democracy for this country, and then get them to see that equal access to education is at the root of an ideal democracy.
I want to take a personal approach in responding to this topic and discuss why I personally want to teach. I have always found myself to be a "nurturer" personality type. I pondered for a while how I could also turn this into a career. Then, it seemed obvious. Teaching. I think as important as academics are in education received, so is making sure the student feels that they are cared for, in a safe space, and being looked after. This takes into account different SES of students and having an open mind about the environment every student is coming to you from. This is why public schools matter to me, is that not every student feels safe or cared for at home which is extremely unfortunate. However, an education that provides them with academic information and a safe and caring space is nothing any student should be denied.
ReplyDeleteIf someone told me that public schools were not necessary, I would tell them that I most definitely disagree. First off, public schools allow people of all socioeconomic backgrounds to have access to an education. Public schools offer create a sense of community where students and diversity where students can build relationships with all kinds of people. I want to teach because I want every single one of my students to understand that no matter where you come from, you can make something of yourself and be whoever you want to be. Education is something that can never be taken away from you and I will instill that in my future students.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the same starting position as Jessica, I don't understand why people think that public schools are a waste of time and would like to understand their perspective before I can counter everything they say with gusto. A lot of people who don't support public school may say that schools are "failing" and the "system" is messed up too badly to change, or that the "liberal agenda" is too strong in government funded schools so why should they want any kid let alone their kid go to hippie factory handing out "freebies" to their students and families.
ReplyDeleteAfter a few unkind words said in my head/under my breath, I would try to have a conversation with the person about the system, and the history of why it seems so broken. I'd also give them my testimonial about why I believe in public education: I believe that education, when done correctly, is the answer to every problem in this country. Education is the foundation that builds this country and the world into what it is, and the teachers who are trained to teach the future are literally molding the adults that we all turn into. Education is a basic fundamental human right as far as I'm concerned, and to put a private bandage on top of a system that has been beaten up and call it fixed isn't truly helping anyone. Not supporting public schools is not supporting your country, or the future of this planet. We should WANT quality education to be free to everyone so that everyone has an opportunity at the "american dream." If we only give that privilege to a select few who can afford $20,000 a year, we're missing so many opportunities for greatness in the 99% of other students who can't.
Education in this country has become so political and I think it should be the least political item on anyones agenda. No one in their right mind should think that any amount of money spent on educating the leaders of the future is a waste of time. They're just lazy and would rather put a bandage/time-bomb on the situation rather than step back, cooperate, and come up with a bipartisan solution to help every child succeed to their fullest potential, equally.
Public education is the foundation for today’s young people and is a system in which we should work hard to build and strengthen. It serves as a tool in which we have the opportunity to enlighten and inspire the generations to come regardless of what state they live, where they live in that state, their socioeconomic status, race, gender, etc. In promoting and working to better our public education systems, we are putting the time and effort into our successors, children, and friends. Public schools offer individuals the opportunities to have an education, work with their peers, and make meaningful connections between their lives and the curriculum. If you feel as though public education is unnecessary, then I would love to understand your perspective. In addition, if one does feel as though public education is unnecessary, then I wonder how else we can ensure that everyone in this country is guaranteed the opportunity to attend school. Growing up, I always loved having the opportunity to walk to the bus stop with my neighbors and go through school with individuals of a wide variety of backgrounds. This allowed me to gain a deeper knowledge of the world around me and helped me to become the person that I am today. Because of this, I will always fight for public education. Students deserve to have a strong education regardless of their socioeconomic status and the other factors that influence their lives. As a future teacher, I will always push my students to their fullest potential and work to empower them in every way I can. Public education is the platform in which we can work to change lives and better communities. Because of this, and especially if it is being viewed as inefficient, then we as a nation have some work to do to make it right.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to respond to this individual, I would ask them what their favorite memories were as a kid. What did they want to be? Who inspired them? Who taught them something? Who led them onto the correct path? If they didn't reply "a teacher" to any one of those questions, I would be shocked. To me, public school is such a gift. There are kids in other countries who would kill to just be able to go to school. Public school is something that is not offered worldwide, and that is why we should try to cherish and nurture it, and work hard every day to make it the best it can be. Some students in this country can't even afford to buy lunch. Education, and the right to be educated in this country gives some students that chance. Students that come from next to nothing can use school as a way to provide a better life for themselves. Education is the ultimate gift that one can receive, and if public schools are taken away, many students will have that gift and that power taken from them. With so much going on in this world, public school is a safe haven and a refuge for many students. It is the only place some students can go to feel safe and secure. Education is a right that should be afforded to all people, no matter their race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, socioeconomic status, religion, or class. Public schools are a way that education can be afforded to all people. Taking away public school is taking away the people's right to an education.
ReplyDeleteI guess to respond to the statement about public schools, my approach would be to ask questions and listen to the responses. This may give me some insight into why the person thinks public schools are a waste. I would ask if they know anyone who attended public schools? Based on that answer, I would ask what they think of that person?
ReplyDeleteAfter listening, I would share that I am the "product" of a public school education. I can tell them how public schools taught me how to be accepting of others. It was an environment that embraced diversity. I remember in the third grade, there was a student who came to public school because she was different. She was called a "mixed" student because one of her parents were African-American and the other was "White." Who would not accept an innocent child, but here she was in my class. She had been to both private and county schools. Due to the students teasing and harassing her the parents decide to move to the city. They didn't come to the city school just because it was free. For as long as I can remember the public schools, always took on what other school districts disregarded. Public schools had pride in their students, staff, and administration.
For me personally, public school education created for me a love for learning. The teachers I encountered in my early years were amazing. Their focus was on the students. My teachers knew my siblings and they had a connection with all of us. Some of them would stay after school and tutor students who needed additional help. Teachers had an honest desire to see the students succeed.
Today, I see teacher's having to work under unbearable situations. Lack of support, resources, and materials. As if that's not enough, now we have to defend that public schools are still effective. So, I guess to the individual who thinks public school is a waste, I probably would conclude my conversation with this statement. Until you have walked in my shoes, given what I give, and stop standing on the outside looking and judging, and join us on the inside and become a part of the solution, you have no true idea what the public schools offer.
In order to reply to someone who believed that public schools were inadequate I would begin with a personal take, and then discuss the overarching effects of public schools. Like Alison, I was really blessed with wonderful teachers who encouraged me to question and instilled in me a love of learning. I was able to experience different cultures, opinions, and life-styles throughout my k12 years. While other schooling can also encourage students to want to learn, only public school gives students the experience to work with those students who may be truly different. And in the end, this is the everyday experience of the adult world- you will be forced to work with and live amongst people who are truly different, and to appreciate those differences is at the heart of what it means to be an American.
ReplyDeleteWhile there are some people that have not had positive experiences with public schools, I do not think that this is a reason to deem them unnecessary or to argue that they should be drastically altered. The fact that there are so many people that feel that teachers aren’t professionals or feel that schools are not accomplishing their intended goals is an argument that we should focus more heavily on hiring good teachers and paying them a decent salary. Public schools not only give all children a chance to learn for free, they also help to develop an educated public, which is necessary in a truly democratic society. The idea of free education is at the core of our democracy for this reason and to say that it is unnecessary is to reject the idea that all people should be able to participate. Public schools attempt to bridge the gap that socio-economic status can create, and without it, we would be leaving hundreds of thousands of children without a chance to advance in an educated society. As a future teacher, I hope that I am able to help my students realize the importance of education, democracy, and becoming an active and engaged citizen. Perhaps, with more engaged citizens, we will be able to take the politics out of education and create a system that people do not feel is so inadequate.
I definitely think this individual is wrong in thinking that public schools are a waste of time. However, I would preface my rebuttal by saying that I acknowledge that there are many flaws with the current public schooling system. That being said, public schools represent an important, self-perpetuating circle of societal and democratic progress. Children attend public school and learn in an environment that has been shaped by democracy and our society as a whole. In turn, these students learn about the world around them and develop their own views on how they wished to see it shaped. Those who are passionate about education and how it should be carried out can use this (albeit difficult) democratic system to influence how public education is carried out for the subsequent generation.
ReplyDeleteAside from the concept of democracy in schooling, I think it is important that students are all put onto a level playing field where they can be exposed to a diverse curriculum and cultural melting pot that they might not experience at home or at a private school under an individual's control. There are many different reasons why people would argue that public schooling is an important institution, but I think a beautiful aspect of it is that it can stand for any or all of those reasons depending on the teachers involved and the students willingness to learn.
I would start by giving a judgement-free ear and asking why they believe public schools are a waste of time. I would go issue by issue based on their response. If their response is something more general or “I don’t know, they just are,” I’d probably bring up Malala Yousafzai, the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for her willingness to advocate for an education regardless of being targeted and shot by the Taliban. If the Taliban shoots you for suggesting something that is widely available in the U.S., then maybe there’s something powerful about a free guaranteed education for everyone regardless of gender, race, class, etc. Even if you don’t remember everything from your time in public school or enjoyed every moment of it, there has to be that one teacher or person you know from school that may have made a difference. For me, public school helped me make long-lasting relationships, show more perspectives outside of my own home, and dream big. There are plenty of people who would say the same.
ReplyDeleteThat’s not saying that all public schools are equal and don’t have any problems, but there’s no reason why we shouldn’t strive to better public schools. I would suggest easy ways to help out a teacher or a local public school by volunteering and donating supplies or engaging in local school board meetings instead of just giving up.
In response, I would bring up reasons why public schools are important for the children who attend them. Public schools provide quality education to all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status and/or where they happen to live. In regards to socioeconomic status, public schools sometimes provide the only well-rounded meals some students eat over the course of the day. Providing free and/or reduced breakfast and lunch to students is something that is invaluable to many students and their families. You can't learn if you are hungry...
ReplyDeleteBy attending public schools, students are introduced to many more people who reside in their community, allowing them to create friendships and bonds with those who live in the same area as they do. Public schools also introduce and allow access to a library, computers, physical exercise, art, and music on top of all of the other academia students are immersed in. Taking this thought back to SES, some students would never have the opportunity to be exposed to some of these things. There is probably an infinitely long list of the reasons why public schools matter and are anything BUT a waste of time, but these are just a few that I think of off the top of my head.
it can be understandable why public schools are seen by some as a waste of time. maybe they are, maybe they aren't. I believe they are not. to believe they are a waste of time, you must think that if students are not in school, they would be engaged in something that makes better use of their time? some alternative would be more beneficial?
ReplyDeleteprivate school? homeschooling?
these are alternatives, but public schooling exists because the majority of students do not have access to these.
to help provide for their families?
this argument has already been posited at the beginning of the 20th century, when pushes to standardize education were prevalent. In the end, public standardized education won out.
the school system is so poor that it’s not even worth it for students to be in school?
it is not without flaws, some places much worse than others, and could use some restructuring. that aside, competent teachers enriching students, a safe place for children to be for most of the day where they exercise, are fed, and are shielded from the elements, and are prepared for college or the workforce, whichever path they choose to take, are all pluses public education provides
If anyone I knew ever said that public schools are a waste of time (inefficient, unnecessary, etc), I would immediately fire back with the fact that public education in general is serving the public interest. I would then continue to make my argument by expressing the fact that public schools provide universal access to free education, guarantee equal opportunities for all children, unify a diverse population, prepare children for citizenship in a democratic society, prepare children to become economically self-sufficient, and improve social conditions; all of which private schools do not (always) do.
ReplyDeleteBefore sharing my thoughts I would like to hear their reasons for such thoughts. After I am able to understand their perspective I would share my perspective on public schools:
ReplyDeleteI have gone to a public school all my life and I am grateful for having received an education that has gotten me as far as I am today. I would like to add that I want to public school in Montgomery County, Maryland. This is a wealthy county, which provides sufficient funding to make sure students and teachers are supported. I would like to slightly agree with your argument. There are many areas within schools/ school systems that lack sufficient funding and support. These schools were possibly the schools you have heard about. It is also important to know that each school is different. Even within state-lines schools differ vastly on the rules, regulations, expectations and the demographics of the schools populations. This is an aspect that influences the schools scores on national testing. There are many efforts that go into making a public school effective and we need citizens to advocate for public schools. You see a part of the schools system that makes me believe you are aware of the flaws and that something needs to be done. Everyone has the opportunity for an education and we should make sure our public schools are fit.
I would like to take a personal approach to this statement. I would first ask this person to explain why they feel public schools are inefficient or unnecessary. If they are unnecessary, what do they view as necessary? Where do they expect children to go to learn if they cant afford private education? That’s the main benefit of public schools in my opinion. Every child has equal right and opportunity to attend a public school. People who make negative statements about public schooling are not viewing the bigger picture by looking at all students; no matter to socioeconomic or cultural status/background. Some students might not be able to afford private school or may not want to attend a private religious school because of their personal religion. Not all cultures may feel as comfortable or represented in private schools. Whereas public schools contain a wide range of diversity.
ReplyDeleteLike many of my classmates, I would first ask the person to explain why they think the public school system is a waste. After listening to their explanation I would then counter their arguments. While there are flaws in our public school system, the answer to those flaws is not in dismantling it. Public schools provide access to quality education to all. This access to education helps prepare students to enter the world and become a participating citizen in our democracy and in our economy.
ReplyDeleteHello All,
ReplyDeleteI'd say, "Yeah, good idea, let's close the public schools. That way the kids who are 'wasting time' in the public schools could be out on the street 'wasting time.'"
Once those pesky, annoying schools were closed, I'm sure a whole new batch of private schools for the affluent would appear overnight. For the non-affluent? Well, there's not enough profit in private schools for poor people, just like there's not enough profit in health care for poor people. Unless the government is paying for it. Then there is a LOT of profit! Once the public schools were abolished, corporations would see an opportunity to directly make hundreds of millions of dollars off of the rich, who would still care for their children to be 'educated.' Then, as corporations do, students would be seen purely as numbers and not even as people. I would imagine that a whole new system of juvenile jails would be needed to house the kids whose parents could not afford the new corporate schools and would, therefore, be roaming the streets trying to make a living. In the new juvenile jails there could be set up a factory system in a new, and more robust, attempt to compete with the low labor costs of China. Maybe corporate profits could be further increased. After all, that's what best for America! Once the 'student' inmates reach maturity, and must be set free, corporate America would be able to develop a whole new system of adult jails where these 'unfortunates' could be housed. Oh, they haven't committed any crimes? Well, we will just take their normal, everyday behavior and make it illegal. A felony as a matter of fact. Your pants are not held at least one inch above your waistline? Felony. You like to keep your hat in pristine, showroom condition? Felony. With the applicable new laws, we could keep everyone who could not afford private schools in prison. Once we get the prison labor system really rolling, think of all the benefits for our Corporatist economy. Now, once an inmate gets to be too old to work, something would have to be done with them. Maybe the medical industry could have them to do tests on. Oh, these inmates that were lucky enough to survive the years of hard labor would have already given their permission to be used as medical test subjects. Remember that form they signed when checking in their worldly possessions upon admittance to prison? Well, too bad for them: in the small print on page 32 of 40 pages, they gave their permission to be used in medical experiments. Didn't give them enough time to read the whole document? Oh, they can't read legalese? Too bad, you signed it, therefore you agree. The answer to the current public school situation? Close the schools, build more prisons, and use inmate labor to allow us to compete in the world's economy and make more corporate profits. Sounds like a plan...
Sunny
To quote Homer Simpson, I'm being sarcastic now...
Maybe we should think of the effect that Corporatism has had on the working people of the United States?
Like most have already said, I would first ask this person why they feel that public schools are a waste of time. From there, I would go on to explain that while the system is not perfect, it seems to work. Public schools offer a free education and a place that is within their community. Students are not only exposed to academics and a safe learning environment, but they also (usually) get to learn from their diverse group of peers. I also believe that most public schools offer many opportunities to get experiences beyond the classroom and extend out to the community. I think whoever may believe that public schools are a waste of time, may not know of fully understand all that happens within the school. Students are receiving so much more than just an education. These are all things that I believe are important and why I care about the public school system and teaching.
ReplyDeleteLike many of my classmates, I am curious as to why this individual thinks that public schools are a waste and I would try to tailor my response to address some of their concerns as I see it. Their role is obvious, to provide a free and equal education for all. There are so many students that would otherwise be denied this opportunity. By going to school, however, they learn how to read, and write, and do math, and learn about the world. Public schools help to educate all, and don't we want to fill our country with citizens that are at least educated? Education is a right that we guarantee people, and the public school system is the easiest way to accomplish that. Furthermore, you can also argue about all the other things that schools provide: options for free breakfast, lunch, and weekend backpacks for those who may otherwise not have food, socializing among peers, opportunities to explore their world through technology or field trip, which again, may otherwise not be an option at home. Students have the opportunity to make friends, acquire skills, and become lifelong learners, as well as be a part of a community. I really like that posts above that mentioned that the public schools in an area reflect the community in which they are in. Overall, public schools have many benefits but I am especially passionate about the fact that a right to an education should not be denied to anyone.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to first hear why that specific person thinks our public school system is a waste of time. Like a lot of my classmates said, they'll probably bring up how the system is so messed up and flawed. To me, public education has such a special place in my heart. After moving to a whole new country, I was able to still go to school even though I was technically in poverty and an outsider. I'm sure there was a better school I could have went to but in hindsight, I would not change anything. I had such a good experience with my very first American teacher, with my first American classmates in 4th grade. You can't sit there and complain how the system is so messed up that it's going to ruin everyone. You still need to put in work to succeed! Someone who says public school is a waste of time probably did not have such a pleasant time during school. Public school education is one of the things that make America already so great. With any other "system" in the country, there always will be flaws. However, I believe if more people just believe and educate themselves on this matter, we can make changes. Like Sarah said, turning your back on public school system is like turning your back on your own country. The public school system is providing something everyone in this world should have. The quality of your education should not vary depending on your SES.
ReplyDeleteI would argue with this person that public schools are important because they create a common national identity and civic identity. They are institutions that define and teach our kids what it means to be public, and be guaranteed equal opportunities. On top of that, public education has been a belief in our country since our Founding Fathers. For example, John Adams wrote, “The whole people must take upon themselves the education of the whole people and be willing to bear the expenses of it. There should not be a district of one mile square, without a school in it, not founded by a charitable individual, but maintained at the public expense of the people themselves.” One of Adams main beliefs in public education was that it unifies a diverse population, which is just as important today as it was then, and always will be. Through teaching a diverse population, social learning in public education also fosters social progress and social reform.
ReplyDeleteI would first ask why the person believes this to find out where they are coming from (whether they are thinking that private schools are the way to go or if school in general is a waste). I would then explain to the person in my own words that public schools are necessary to develop skills needed in everyday life such as social skills. Public school teaches students many things including social and emotional skills as well as how to work together with peers. Public school is that stepping ladder than children need to guide them down the path that they need to go down. I would say that public schools help shape the individual and is absolutely necessary to attend. Public schools give individuals an equal opportunity to life where everyone starts off on the same step.
ReplyDeleteAre public schools a waste of time?
ReplyDeleteAssuming you did not attend public schools growing up, let’s take a quick stab at some things that might not be in your field of vision.
Starting off with tuition? How was your tuition paid? Oh, your parents? Quite fortunate! Very lucky of you to born into a family that is capable of such an expense. However, not every family can afford tuition prices. Perhaps it is because their income is not enough, as you might be thinking, or perhaps they have more than one child. Perhaps all of the children are involved in extracurriculars and the parents are choosing to allocate the necessary funds to those activities instead of tuition. Ever hear about boarding costs for a pony?
Not to mention students that attend the public school in their community learn to be participating citizens in their home environment. This will be the foundation upon which these students use to remain active members of their community. Accountability is an important life skill to learn, and public school help students to realise this. Students will also learn about others in their community and more than likely discover common interests among themselves as well as new ways of thinking or ideas. Students that attend public schools are thrown head first into diversity, often without realizing it. This will lead itself to building a more accepting, tolerant, and engaged student and community.
First, I would ask the person to explain their position on the topic of public schools In doing so, I believe I would gain a better understanding of their position altogether. Then, I would share my opinion; more specifically, I would explain why I believe public schools are essential in society. They give children all over America the opportunity to be educated, interact with a diverse range of individuals, and provide a safe and nurturing environment. While there are some flaws to the public education system, I believe the overall benefit is much greater. After explaining my opinion, I would offer the person a chance to counter my argument.
ReplyDeleteYuna...If anyone can believe that public schools are a waste of time, they clearly do not know the critical and multiple roles public schools play in our communities. Public schools are a place where we foster the growth of future leaders. It serves as a platform for our younger generation to educate themselves, explore curiosities, discover passions, find their true self, share experiences with their peers, and work towards a bright future. It allows all students an equal opportunity at education, which helps them to achieve their dreams and goals, which directly feeds and fuels the American economy. Without public schools, it would be difficult to create educated and motivated citizens to participate in our society. Without public schools, many families would struggle to find a place of education for their children, and many adults would be out of jobs.
ReplyDeleteThere are many flaws and improvements to be made to our public education system, however, that doesn't mean we must completely trash the idea. It's important for our current political leaders to realize that education is not a political debate. Education is a basic human right for all people, and our leaders should make decisions based on what the people need. Our leaders should not be concerned about the amount of money it is going to take to improve our system, because in the end, they are working for the people. I believe education is the key to a successful future for our nation.