Depending on who is asked, a variety of responses could be given when asked about the educational system in America. In looking back over the last few hundred years some things have remained the same, but others have changed drastically. The pendulum continues to swing from one side to the other in methods of education.
Years ago home schooling was just the norm, or perhaps a small country type school. As more towns and cities began to develop, the educational system adapted by adding in larger schools to meet the needs of the working community, in addition to the farming community. The pendulum seemed to swing more towards education in the classroom at that point.
As schools began to get larger with growing populations in cities and towns, the educational system in America focused more on group lessons and not as much one-on-one time with students as seen the previous years. Many good things came out of this system as schools could offer more classes than offered in home school or small school settings. However, other changes did not show improvement in the education being received.
Students who may not have been good learners started to fall through the cracks of the educational system. More kids were failing classes and not moving up to the next grade level. Special programs then had to be developed to meet the needs of those children. In addition, students who were excelling were offered accelerated classes so they could reach their potential. These things can be good, but can also be difficult when funding the programs.
Much of the time the schools are not receiving the funds necessary to meet the needs of all of the different types of students. Teachers are underpaid for the work load they carry, often being required to purchase their own classroom supplies from their personal funds. Also, the mandatory standardized testing has changed the way that many schools are required to teach to students. Often teachers are teaching to pass the test, and not teaching for the students to learn.
Now that there are more options available with private schools and many home school groups, as well as public schools, families are more equipped to choose the best option for their student. This has allowed for better preparation for college and work after high school. Having these options available now has improved the educational system in America.
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