Why Public Education in America Is Flawed

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In order for students to reach their full potential America must change its ways regarding public education. America’s public schools, as a whole, America’s public schools are flawed due to many factors; three of the biggest contributing factors being their unreasonably low standards, a less than sufficient number of qualified teaching professionals, and the amount of emphasis placed on standardized tests combined with the lack of emphasis placed skills required to build strong character and responsibility in students.
The first reason America’s public school system is flawed is because of the unreasonably low standards that the students are expected to meet. By only requiring their students to meet low standards; schools are setting students up for failure not only in school, but also in life as they grow older and join the work force. Katherine Baird explains “this occurs with America’s low educational standards: by setting the bar low, students both underperform and are misled about the skills and knowledge required for future success” (31, 32). This is occurring because “there is a strong but misplaced belief among many that low expectations reflect our commitment to the disadvantaged, and that strengthening them would harm the most vulnerable youth in our society” (Baird 118). Albeit a good reason, by lowering the standards for all students instead of helping those who are “disadvantaged” by helping them overcome their disadvantage and encouraging them to try their hardest and rise up to the high standards that they are capable of reaching, public schools are hurting their students instead of helping them.
The public school system is not only flawed because of the low standards, but also b...

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... to determine how intelligent their students are. In fact, research shows that students who do well on tests often fail to show mastery of the material tested outside of school.
In order for America to fix its public education system they must change the way they view the teaching profession and encourage bright young people to become teachers. They must also raise their standards in order to help students reach their full potential and succeed. Finally, they need to stop placing extreme emphasis on standardized tests and teach students skills that will help them become strong, hard working, citizens. If America’s public schools are going to ever change citizens must stand up and help shape the schools they want their children and grandchildren to attend. How much longer must Americans wait for public education to rise up to the standards that most citizens expect?

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