Improving High Schools Service Quality in America - Essay Example

 Improving High School Education Introduction In many countries like United States, every person is required to complete their high school education as it is considered the most basic form of education. Hence, in this regard, a constant improvement in education system is required because it provides a foundation to carry out professional level education. Moreover, students develop their knowledge and skills to carry out further studies of their interest. However, the main problem lies on the fact that it is seen that the numbers of High school dropout students is on the rise. This dropout rate is increased due to many reasons that are listed below. In order to reduce dropout of students, modification of education system is required. Argument There are many evidences that prove that the students are not very happy with the education system and this has made the education system very fickle and ineffective. Hence, the argument lies on the fact that the whole system of education needs modification that caters to the students as well as to the teachers as both of them need to work together to make an education system a success. The article, “Put Teachers to the Test” by Diane Ravitch (2008) provides implications to the problems as it provides reasons of increased dropout rate. There are many reasons of poor education system and one of the examples can be quoted through this article. An investigation was carried out regarding teacher’s role and to everybody’s surprise; it was found that the teachers themselves were not proficient enough to educate the students. When teachers were asked to take a test of 11th grade, a very small percentage of teachers could answer it correctly. Moreover, Diane (2008) states that there are very less number of High schools teachers who have related education and experience of what they teach. This gap is disastrous for students as the teaching style may not be appropriate, accurate, relevant and reliable. In this regard, it is argued that education system should have a policy that every teacher should have the license to teach. It is essential that the teachers should have the knowledge about pedagogical methods of teaching as well as have information relating to child psychology in order to teach students effectively. The number of low grade students and dropouts is due to these issues and the evidence is given by Diane (2008)as she states that research was conducted relating to unqualified teachers and it was seen that there were about 55% of teachers of history subject who were out of field and due to this reason there were unsatisfied students with low percentages. Hence, it is necessary to prepare teachers academically so that they can comprehend the academic standards and practically apply them to transfer better knowledge to children. This would also solve the problems of high school dropout as well. There is another article written by Patrick Walsh (2006) that provides implications of this issue. However, according to him teachers and students both are the causes of failure of High School Education. According to the author, it was seen that foreign children exhibited better performances in American System of Education whereas the American population had more Cs. The main reason behind’s American children’s low grade was that there was lack of motivation or work ethics. However, it is necessary to argue on the fact that improvements can be carried out in the education system if the cause and effects of these aspects are closely examined. The main causes of concern of the underlying problem are not just the teachers but the students as well. As per the author, students have the view that teachers are inadequate. However, in reality students are not exercising self discipline to grasp the knowledge which is provided by the Institute and as a result there is higher drop out level. This attitude of student where they are putting all the blame on just the teachers is biased. Parents are made to believe the same, that the education system is bad. In this regard, education system can need to take action, invite guidance counselors that can change this perspective of the students by identifying their weaknesses. Even though, just like Welsh (2006)stated that the children are also manipulating the situation and ask counselors to get them out of the courses they are in, just because they don’t like it. Hence, education system should be such that motivates the students to feel privileged to attain education. Ross G. Doughat wrote an article, “Abolishing High School” (2001) that examines the issues of the students in High School which results in disasters and dropouts as well. The author provides examples of effects of such behavior of students where they target their peers and friends. Incidents of shootings carried out in this regard have now become very common in High Schools in America so these causes need to be examined which are having a considerable amount impact on education system. Then again, the major causes identified are lack of qualified teachers. These teachers cannot relate to a child’s psychology. It is scientifically proved that adolescents that are in their mid teens are undergoing a transition phase. During this time they become more insecure and rebellious, hence their needs need to be defined and they should be treated with care. In this regard, teachers should act as a role model to them. This can only be achieved if the educational set-up is improved and modified so that when the student finally graduates from High School, he has a well-developed personality and is practically sound. Even though, the Dougthat (2001) argues by stating that in such a case home schooling is an option that can be taken but it is not an appropriate situation as children learn and adapt things from the surrounding hence, they require an improved education system in the long run so that the their values are successfully integrated in the society. “College President's Plan: Abolish High School” is an article, written by George Will (1998), which supports the argument of the paper. The author provides the answers to the issue, stating that children today are far more advanced and are finding more difficulties in the education system. Hence, the education system needs to be revised. This can be carried out when the subjects and grades of the students are modified as per the psychological age of the students. There are many issues that result in poor education system. As mentioned before when a student feels uninspired especially when he is in his adolescence age he may become rebellious and blame the education system. Many students feel that High schools should be abolished as they are the waste of time. As a result they drop out from schools. Sometimes, children may be subjected to verbal and physical abuse and feel worthless hence, the solution lies in understanding that educational Institutes are meant to improve cognitive learning through a social learning atmosphere. High Schools need to be reformed but abolishing High School is definitely not the answer. Instead, it would be better to fix the educational set-up in such a way that the purpose of them is met successfully. In the end, it can be concluded that there are four main areas that are needed to be focused in order to improve High School Education. The first one is to increase the knowledge and the skills of the teachers, secondly, change the curriculum that is being taught in the school. Thirdly, the education system should foster a good student-teacher relationship to instill a productive education system. Fourthly, the education system need to focus on promoting a good environment where there is no favoritism and students are not bullied. These solutions would address the problem in hand and have a positive impact on education system, promising better life and career opportunities for children of High School. References Dougthat, R. G. (2001). Abolishing High School. Retrieved from The Harvard Crimson: http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2001/3/12/abolishing-high-school-pthis-time-his/ Ravitch, D. (2008). Put Teachers to the Test. Hoover Institution, 2002-2004. Welsh, P. (2006). For once, blame the student. Retrieved from http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2006-03-07-forum-students_x.htm Will, G. (1998, April 10). College President’s Plan: Abolish High School. Retrieved from http://www.texnews.com/1998/opinion/will0410.html Read More