Debating the Necessity of Changing School Systems

In the ongoing debate over the necessity of changing the public school system, various perspectives are presented. This article explores arguments both for and against such changes, providing a comprehensive overview of the issues and potential impacts.

Arguments Against Changing the School System

The public school system has played a critical role in raising literacy rates from roughly 40% to 95% over the years. Additionally, it serves the majority of children at a low cost and facilitates both parents working. Efforts to improve the current system are often met with financial constraints, as taxpayers have already expressed their willingness to pay a set amount for education. Consequently, many argue that significant changes should be avoided.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) supports maintaining the status quo, citing the opportunity to ‘victimize and manipulate’ a captive audience. The absence of concrete plans further fuels the argument against drastic changes. To actualize any proposed changes, detailed plans addressing various aspects, such as age cohorts, hours of instruction, and yearly progress, must be developed. The current system, while imperfect, has its benefits and should not be hastily altered.

A Plea for Incremental Change through Initiative

Some proponents of the current system argue that any change should come from within and be driven by parent and teacher initiatives. If allowed, schools will naturally evolve for the good of the students. However, in many states in the USA, unions prevent necessary changes due to their vested interests, often at the expense of students' outcomes.

Explicitly supporting change, one could argue against including Critical Race Theory (CRT) in the curriculum for being an imposed ideological framework. Conversely, funding charter schools is a more favorable approach as it aligns with the values of good teaching staff and dedicated parents who desire such options for their children.

Debating Against the Motion: An Unchanged System

Another perspective in the debate is to take the stance that the school system should not be changed. This argument would counter the motion “the school system must be changed.” Such a debate necessitates a careful examination of the potential negative consequences of change, as well as the benefits of maintaining the status quo. Teachers, in this scenario, would be required to work full years instead of the current schedule, leading to increased responsibility for their students. This would eliminate the current practices of passing students who do not perform and ignoring those who are being bullied. Teachers would have to address all students equally, reducing the likelihood of bullying and fostering a more supportive learning environment.

Conclusion

The debate over whether the school system should be changed is complex and multifaceted. Proponents argue for a gradual and organic evolution, while opponents emphasize the risks and potential negative consequences of radical changes. Ultimately, any decision should be made with thorough consideration of the long-term impacts on students and the education system as a whole.

Keywords

public school system, debate on education, educational change