I believe that what is lacking in the American education system is the ability of teachers to punish students. Most learners in public institutions are more willing to misbehave and act wildly in class since they understand there are no real repercussions. Children from other countries understand from a young age that they must respect authority. This refers to their parents, guardians, teachers, and law enforcement. When they go against this, they immediately realize that their parents will be involved, which may lead to harsh punishment. Additionally, the reprimand is administered with the knowledge that it is a child who needs correction, not torture. The aim of this paper is to reflect on the state of America’s public schools.
When the concept of punishment in schools is mentioned in the United States, it instantly sounds as if someone is suggesting harm to the students. The idea that students need to be held more accountable appears outdated. Many feel that since the students are minors, their brains are still developing and, thus, their behaviors. They fail to understand that the children take advantage of this knowledge about themselves and society’s perception of them. Many teachers quit their careers every year, not due to the salary but bullying from unruly students. Some claim that when they try to report the issues to their bosses, they are asked to be more empathetic as they are dealing with minors (James & Wyckoff, 2020). This is a wrong approach as it is the foundation of indiscipline among learners in American public educational institutions.
Besides discipline, another element lacking in the American education system is motivation. The majority of the students in the public schools hail from humble backgrounds and are in the midst of many problems, such as drug abuse and trafficking, sexual immorality, and quitting school. Some of the wealthiest people the students know in their surroundings are drug dealers, rap music artists, and club promoters. All these people serve as an example for the kids who view their affluence as one that does not need the education to achieve something. The individuals mentioned above even denounce education as something that cannot help someone achieve their goals.
When a student identifies that there is a rich person in their community who did not even graduate from high school, they perceive education as one that is not important. As seen in John Stossel’s “Stupid in America” (2012), they start to think that learning is wasting their time. In private schools, children refer to formal employment or aspire to be in professions that are described as decent and high-paying, including doctor, lawyer, pilot, civil engineer, or software developer.
Apart from lacking motivation due to their surroundings, learners are subjected to public schools where leaders cannot hold meetings or sessions dedicated to inspiring the students or educate them about success in life. In these institutions, a survey shows that claiming that one desires to pursue a career in finances seems wrong (James & Wyckoff, 2020). The teachers, parents, and the government must have an honest conversation about the topic.
The paper has reflected on the state of Americans public schools and shown that there are several elements missing. For instance, punishment is the first element that cannot be found in these institutions since it is perceived as torture and not a corrective measure. Another is motivation or inspiration since most of the students live in surroundings dominated by individuals engaging in unideal activities to earn money. Revision of the entire system is needed where missing elements are introduced. Helping the children understand that they have a responsibility over their actions is essential and can help to reduce the number of incidents at schools.
References
durbanzanrik. (2012). John Stossel’s “Stupid in America.” [Video]. YouTube. Web.
James, J., & Wyckoff, J. H. (2020). Teacher evaluation and teacher turnover in equilibrium: Evidence from DC public schools. AERA Open, 6(2), 5-21. Web.