One of the hottest issues on the political trail this year is the value of public education. As many in the public already know, America’s public schools are facing a major crisis. The crisis is twofold. There has been a shortage of funding for education and the high illiteracy rate. Beginning with children unable to read on grade level to a high percentage of kids dropping out of school, parents and politicians are concerned about the direction in which our schools are heading. In 2006, John Stossel did a special on 20/20 titled “Stupid America”. In the segment he discussed the condition of public schools across the country and how parents don't have the free will to send their children to whatever school they wish. He as well as interviewed young people about the conditions of their schools. One of the young people he spoke to was Dorian Cain. In the interview, Stossel describes Cain as “An 18- year-old, who was still struggling to read a single sentence in a first grade level book. Although he has spent over 12 years in public schools, he still couldn’t read”. Even though this is an extreme case, there are many, unfortunately like Dorian, that are in the same situation. With Dorian’s story being not too uncommon today, there are many wondering whether public schools, in their current state, are truly effective in preparing our children for the future. Many are trying to find the solutions to these problems as well as deciding if private schools are better. Even though there are students that graduate from public school and go on to have successful careers, there are many that do not. With this thought, can it be said that public education is effectively preparing today’s youth for tomorrow? Are student getting what they need from public schools? In this series of blogs, I plan to discuss whether public education is truly preparing student for future or not.
