Every so often, a new report comes out showing how the US is lagging behind global competitors in standardized test scores. In response, policy makers clamor to discuss higher standards for K-12 students and teachers nationwide.
However, United States educational failures are not a nationwide problem: top-performing schools and students perform as well as any nation on standardized tests. Poor schools in poor communities, on the other hand, have outcomes that bring down the national average. Kozol's book, "Savage Inequalities", shows the horrifying reality of struggling schools.
The inadequate funding of schools in low-income contributes to the problem, and is certainly immoral. But schools are only part of the problem. A recent NPR story shows how living in a violent community can prevent kids from even getting to school. Experiences prior to entering the K-12 system also have a significant impact on educational outcomes, as high-quality childcare has been correlated with decreased need for special education and a correctional services. Indeed, some studies have found that the earlier the intervention, the greater the outcomes.
So, any effort to address this "Sputnik Moment" should not simply focus on a national reform of the K-12 system, like the No Child Left Behind policy. Reforms must recognize that our education problem starts as early as as prenatal care, not when a child enters kindergarten. Also, reforms must focus on revitalizing struggling communities as a whole. Proposed budget cuts to the Community Development Block Grant program only detract from this goal.
Studies like the one linked in this post show that investments in early childhood education can actually save us money by increasing productivity and decreasing spending on this like special ed. and correction. Now, more than ever, an educated public is essential for a competitive economy. However, I think there is a better, moral argument for such reforms. Children deserve to live happy, healthy lives. It is simply wrong to deny children access to a happy and safe upbringing.
You are absolutely right. The more investment we make the better for the people and hence the state and further the nation. You would think it would be a 'no-brainer'. I believe the nation needs a tri-fold approach for a sustainable and equitable future: single-payer health care, cheap available public transportation, and a public education program that is accessible to everyone.
ReplyDeleteI think a big problem at this point is that we have invested so heavily in things that have costly negative externalities and low multiplier effects (read: bad for the economy: prisons, weapons, subsidies for oil, coal, massive agribusiness, and tax cuts for the wealthy and upper middle class. Any effort to reduce these investments is met with the argument "jobs will be lost". I think this a trade-off that must be taken seriously. If we make an argument for spending less on these harmful investments, we should come up with ways to provide a remedy to the areas that lose jobs.
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