The American public education system as we know it, has been around for well over 200 years. However, the traditional schooling model has remained unchanged, with around 20 to 30 students packed into a classroom and taught by just one teacher.
This is an issue due to the fact that having this format within classrooms is only effective for some, not all. While the American public school system has of course improved in other regards we still seem to neglect that the teaching, health and environment may need a change.
Children are still taught in a standardized and industrialized way because the education system uses a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach.
The same curriculum is given to all students, and learning is mostly measured through tests that focus on basic subjects like math and reading. Teachers often lead lessons in a way that doesn’t adjust to how different students learn.
Class schedules are fixed, and students are expected to follow rules and routines, leaving little room for creativity or independent thinking. This system, which started during the industrial era, focuses on efficiency and sameness instead of encouraging individual talents or critical thinking.
Students around the world learn in different ways, and while there are some commonalities in how they acquire knowledge, each student has unique preferences and strengths.
When a single teacher instructs a class of around 25 students using only one teaching method, it limits the potential for all students to thrive, benefiting only a portion of the class. As a result, approximately 20-30% of students have their educational needs unmet.
While These numbers may seem small, many students around the world still struggle to succeed and even fail classes due to this issue. Research has even shown that classrooms where teachers tailor their methods to meet diverse needs tend to see better outcomes.
Teaching a group of students using only one method is like trying to teach a fish to climb a tree—learning styles cannot be changed simply by repeating one approach. American public schools should train teachers to recognize and adapt to different learning styles.
As a high school student myself, I witness firsthand, how teachers often fail to address the unique educational and mental health needs of each student. This allows for restriction among students, removing their creativity and molding kids to all meet the same standards in life.
What are your thoughts on the school’s curriculum, its mental and physical health system, its grading and placement processes, and its overall environment? Consider this: no matter how you respond to these questions, there’s likely to be at least one flaw in the system. Additionally, no two responses will be identical, as people around the world will have different perspectives on these aspects of education.
This highlights how diverse we are as individuals, with varying beliefs and priorities. When a public schooling system forces students into a restrictive mold, it can have a negative impact on children, as they are shaped to fit a structure that may not align with their own values or worldview.
When talking about the environment The need for change is crucial because a student’s surroundings directly impact their emotional, mental and academic well-being. A positive and inclusive environment fosters creativity, collaboration and personal growth, while a restrictive or stressful environment can stifle these qualities, making it harder for students to thrive.
By creating spaces that encourage open communication, critical thinking and diverse perspectives, schools can nurture students’ individual strengths and help them develop into well-rounded individuals.
A shift toward more flexible, supportive environments would not only improve students’ academic performance but also their overall mental health, ensuring they are better prepared for the challenges of the future.
It’s important to recognize and remember that each student is an individual, with unique needs for independence and personal growth.
Given that students spend six to seven hours a day, and five days a week, at school, we must ensure we support them in a way that fosters their development and prepares them for their lives.
Would you prefer the students and people of our future as a community to properly know how to format a poem or be prepared for what’s after schooling? We need to guide our students alongside teaching them and we have yet to progress on that in the way we need too.
On the other hand, there are support systems in place, such as social offices and counselors. However, despite these resources, students’ needs often remain unmet.
While there are limitations to what schools can do, there are still areas where they are neglecting opportunities to provide further assistance.
American public schools effectively address students’ medical needs, they often fall short in supporting those who are burned out or struggling due to mental health challenges.
This is not to say that schools ignore mental health needs, but rather that the systems in place could be improved to better support students in these areas.
When a student is overwhelmed by family stress or the weight of too many responsibilities, the pressure can become so intense that they may prefer staying home rather than facing the demands of school.
Many teens and children face challenges with depression and stress, which can make it difficult for them to keep up with their peers. As students, we also have our own lives outside of school, which can add to the pressure we experience.
Regardless of our age, we are individuals with our own struggles. Schools and teachers should acknowledge this and offer accommodations when students are unable to devote the remainder of their mental energy to schoolwork.
However, public American schools often implement changes that don’t truly have a meaningful impact, yet they are considered improvements to the system. Teachers may also claim they are doing their best, even though there is always potential for further improvement.
Learning and growth don’t stop at 25, and neither does progress. Adults are fully capable of making new decisions to enhance their teaching, and since they never stop learning, they can always improve their methods.
I regularly see emails or memos from teachers and higher administration announcing things like “we’re changing the phone system,” or “we’re getting new equipment!” However, what we really need as students isn’t just new technology or spaces—we need real progress in the quality of education itself.
For instance, at MCHS, we have a new wing with glass walls and windows, but what is the purpose of this? Why is it a part of our school, and how does it enhance student learning?
The only thing these open walls and windows seem to do is provide an aesthetic appeal, which doesn’t directly impact our education. What we truly need is meaningful advancement, genuine progress, and a focus on improving the quality of our education.
We’ve updated technology, added seating, and introduced new attendance policies, but why can’t we seem to change the system itself? To build a better future, we need real improvements. We can’t afford to stay stagnant for another two hundred years.
Regardless of age, gender, or authority, everyone has a voice in the education system.
Students deserve to have their needs met, teachers should be passionate and committed to supporting their students, school administrators have the power to make a difference, and parents, your input is crucial, especially when it comes to your child’s education.
We are all individuals, constantly learning and evolving, no matter our age. We should embrace this and work together to advance the world around us, progressing as a united community.
While we may not all agree on the specifics of what needs to change in the school system, we can all agree on the need for positive change.
Think about it: What can teachers do to better support their students? What can students do to advocate for themselves? How can parents help guide their children through their school journey? What steps can we all take to shape the future? No idea is too big or small—it’s still a step toward change. Let’s transform education and shape the future together.