Our Public Education System Isn't As Broken As You Think It Is | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Our Public Education System Isn't As Broken As You Think It Is

I am proud that I was educated in public schools and that I will get to teach in them.

202
Our Public Education System Isn't As Broken As You Think It Is
Huffington Post

I was browsing Odyssey when I saw an article that mentioned Betsy DeVos, President Trump's nominee for secretary of education. Being a future teacher and being highly concerned about some of the comments DeVos made during her hearing, I decided to click on it. What I found was an article that contained many valid points about some of the flaws in America's education system. However, I would like to respond, as some of the points made in the article I do not quite agree with.

The author states that students in American schools are not taught anything useful. I agree that some things we learn in school are pointless to most future careers, such as the Pythagorean Theorem and Calculus. However, schools teach a lot of important skills. In middle school, I learned how to sew and cook in Family and Consumer Sciences. In high school, I learned how to balance a checkbook in Consumer Economics. Throughout my school career, I have learned how the government of the United States works, something that will benefit me as a voter. I learned about different cultures and belief systems, which has led me to, I think, become a more accepting person. I took classes on sex education and learned about the dangers of drugs. This was all in addition to learning practical skills such as math and reading that have led me to be a successful college student.

The article also states that students are not learning for the sake of learning and are thus not expanding their knowledge. While there are some students who only learn and do schoolwork to do well on tests, there is a host of others that learn and try hard in school because they are curious about the world around them and the subjects they are learning about. In addition, even if students are studying hard just to pass a test, at least they are learning something. Nothing a student learns will ever be completely forgotten.

The author complains about the prevalence of testing in the American education system. I agree with this complaint wholeheartedly. Standardized testing and scores on these tests have become the focus of too many educational administrators, while their real focus should be making sure students learn concepts. However, I disagree with the next point in which it is said that some teachers only care about test scores. When I teach, I will be teaching for the love of teaching and learning and in order to give my students a bright future.

In my opinion, the American education system is a lot better than we give it credit for, and I can't wait to be an educator.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

191258
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15458
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458277
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26840
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments