There is an educational paradigm facing the United States of America. Every time a student drops out of high school or college, the collective intelligence and prosperity of the entire nation suffers, and the future of that individual becomes statistically bleak. According to the UN Education Index, the United States ranks at a dismal 19th in educational attainment. This is unacceptable by our lofty standards, and hints at a cynical standpoint by some who claim that we have the best educational system in the world. The bottom line is that unless we address the standards by which we judge a good education, from teachers and parents, to the student loan system, we will continue to see rising underemployment and unemployment in this country. Given this fact, it is useful for us to address the learning deficit problem head on.
This criticism of our educational system acknowledges that there are also exceptions to the status quo. There are many great schools in America, primarily in well off districts, which have high graduation rates and send a majority of their students to college. But, this is not the case in many less fortunate school districts across America. The truth is that many middle and lower income communities have an educational crisis on their hands. Minority populations, in particular African Americans and Hispanics, are falling too far behind, collectively graduating approximately 53% (according to the Alliance for Excellent Education) of high school students in 2009; A rate that is 19% lower than that of their White and Asian counterparts. Not only are thousands of public school budgets in the red, Federal programs, such as No Child Left Behind, are in need of increased funding and improved direction.
As America slowly climbs out of this recession, the heart of the recovery lies in our unified ingenuity and ambitions. We have a collective responsibility and a vested interest in creating an environment where learning and continuing education are the norm. In order to compete globally today and in the future, our educational standards must rise, and our tolerance for ignorance must shrink. The facts of the matter are staggering. As states make tough financial decisions regarding education budgets, the numbers tell us that the future success of a majority of Americans lies greatly on the education level attained by that individual.
According to recent polling data, there is a direct link between underemployment, unemployment and a citizen’s education level. Though there are always exceptions to the norm, the collected data tells this highly predictable story. A recent article by Gallup states that amongst the underemployed, “the underemployment picture for those without a high school diploma is even bleaker. They currently face a 36.2% underemployment rate, and are 50% more likely than high school graduates to be underemployed, three times more likely than those having a college degree, and four times more likely than those who have done postgraduate work. High school graduates are twice as likely as college graduates to be underemployed.” These numbers are identical in proportion to overall unemployment. These staggering figures also show why it is imperative that we tackle the problem of preparing our citizenry for global competition. If graduation levels do not improve, with an emphasis on all subjects, we will continue to see falling tax revenues and an increased need for hiring foreign talent to work in jobs that will not go to an unprepared American job force. Our interests in all sectors of the economy are at risk if the government does not act. Take healthcare, the majority of the increasing number of the uninsured are those who are unemployed or working part time shifts. To buck the costly trend towards increased underemployment, we need our schools to produce a better educated workforce capable of creating opportunities for the next generation who should aspire to do great things in America.
Going forward, it will be important for our schools to put students in a better position to succeed. Along with encouraging responsible parenting, we need to examine nationwide curriculum standards with an emphasis on building up the weakest links on the educational chain. As mentioned in my previous article, the return of nearly 8 to 10 Billion dollars per month of taxpayer money to the treasury, following the end of the Iraq War, will provide much needed funds for an educational system in dire economic straits. Along with updating the standards set in No Child Left Behind, actions taken to address state budgetary issues will provide a much needed boost to schools underperforming and/or on the brink of closure.
Today, President Obama signed legislation which will take big steps to remove bank greed from the student loan process. This law, coupled with changes to the health care reform bill, sets limits on the interest rates and minimum payments for those who are taking part in this expanded federal student loan program. In addition, the fact that many middle and lower income families will now have an added incentive to push their children to the college level, because of an even financial playing field for all Americans seeking student loans for continued education ,will encourage a culture of learning and innovation in minority communities nationwide.
America’s ambitious students deserve an honest bi-partisan effort to reform the educational system. As the Iraq War winds down, and resources become available to solve the problems facing our schools, let’s hope that our leaders will realize the urgency of renewing America’s intellectual status worldwide. We must use these incoming funds wisely. The education of our citizenry is a matter of national interest that must be addressed both immediately and responsibly. In the upcoming months, we should keep a close eye on the education debate. The time has come to bring the American educational system into the 21st century for all citizens, not just the elite and/or fortunate few. The future viability of American progress is at stake, and our ability to lead globally lies in addressing the paradigm facing our educational system.
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