School Is Back in Session - What Are Children Actually Learning?

As another school year starts, heated debates about the curriculum and effectiveness of our nation's schools are once again at the forefront of public discourse. What are children learning in school? Are they adequately prepared for college and future careers? 

These questions have sparked a nationwide debate over what should be included in the curriculum, who should make those decisions, and how to provide an equitable education across economic brackets. 

The debate over school curricula 

The curriculum debate is nothing new, however. In the 1970s, the debate was over Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter attempting to transition the US to the global metric system. In the early 2010s, parents complained about Common Core math. 

However, the conversation has taken on a new urgency in recent years as the academic gap between public schools and private learning institutions continues to grow. Additionally, political polarization has spilled over into book choices and lesson plans. 

For example, one buzzy term in education is critical race theory, which posits that racism is not only present in society but also baked into many of our institutions. As a result, some districts are teaching children about the history of racism and its impact on society while others are banning any mention of the topic. 

Thus, the conversation around curriculum is closely tied to the issue of school choice. School choice advocates argue that parents should have the right to choose what type of education their children receive, whether it be public, private, charter, homeschooling, or online learning. 

Critics assert that school choice exacerbates economic inequality by allowing wealthy families to opt out of struggling public schools. They also worry that a proliferation of charter schools will lead to a two-tiered system in which some schools are well-funded and others are not. 

What is school choice? Who does it benefit and harm? 

School choice refers to a variety of policies that give parents and guardians the ability to choose which school their children attend. The school choice debate also involves charter schools, voucher programs, and private school tuition tax credits. 

Supporters of school choice argue that it increases competition and leads to better outcomes for students. They also contend that it gives families more control over their children's education. 

However, critics argue that school choice exacerbates economic inequality and harms public schools. They also point out that many families cannot afford to exercise school choice due to the cost of private schooling or the lack of transportation options. 

How big is the academic gap between public schools and private learning institutions? 

The academic gap between public schools and private learning institutions has been a source of concern for many years. A variety of factors contribute to this problem, including funding disparities, teacher quality, and parental involvement. 

Public schools are typically underfunded compared to private institutions. This can lead to overcrowded classrooms, a lack of resources, and lower-quality teachers. Private schools, on the other hand, often have smaller class sizes, more experienced teachers, and better resources. 

These advantages can give private school students a significant advantage. In fact, the most recent NAEP data found that private school students scored better in nearly all subjects than their public school counterparts. 

Pursuing equity in education across economic brackets 

As the debate over school curricula continues, it's important to remember that pursuing equity in education is an important goal for our nation. This means ensuring that all students, regardless of their economic background, have access to a quality education. 

There are several ways to achieve this goal, including providing more funding for public schools, increasing teacher salaries, and expanding school choice programs. However, it will take a concerted effort from all stakeholders to close the academic gap between public and private schools. With that in mind, let's continue working together to ensure that all children have the opportunity to succeed. 

Takeaways on the state of education in the US 

The education system in the United States is facing several challenges. These include a proliferation of charter schools, concerns over funding and resources, and a growing achievement gap between public and private schools. 

Education is one of the most impactful aspects of a child's life. It can determine their future and how successful they will be. However, there is a lot of debate over what children should be learning in school these days—and there’s no shortage of opinions on the matter.  

So, while there is no easy fix to these problems, we must continue working together to find solutions. Pursuing equity in education is an important goal for our nation and one that we must continue to strive toward.