After Betsy DeVos was confirmed as the 11th Secretary of Education belief in public education spread across social media combatting her accusations that public schools are not as adequate as the nation believes. Devos called traditional public schooling a “dead end” and refused to pass reforms in Michigan that would use public funds for religious or privately operated schools. Devos continues to label public schools as an industry that should use the principles of competition and choice, principles often present in a free-market system. “#Publicschoolproud” was the hashtag being spread from twitter to Facebook, fueling many parents and students.
The public viewed Devos execution of her beliefs as harsh, but there may be some truth behind what she says once her views of the public school system are analyzed. In recent years Board of Education across the country continue to push and mold the school system into what they want it to become. Public schooling has transformed into an institution including steep annual spending yet inadequate funding. Parents often feel the need to relocate and live in pricier communities in order to give their children a higher level of education which contradicts the hope that all public schooling is the same.
“I think that public school is flawed because it is easy for someone to get lost in the system, If they are quiet or not as outgoing as others they are less likely to be given attention by the teachers and therefore less likely to receive the same benefits and education,” NHS senior Olivia Caplan said, “Having connections in the school whether from a sibling before you or a teacher that is a coach gives students an advantage that they do not even realize. Also there is a flaw in the standardized testing matter on the issue that if you do not have as much money as others you must deal with lower test scores.”
Public schools were created in the 1800s to create a sense of unity within each community. Joining together children with differing social class, ethnic background, and religion created an opportunity to tie together the lives of American citizens. This erupted as a unifying force, but as time passed and the appearance of public schools changed, unification can begin to lack. Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 was the Supreme Court case that established a basis for free and equal school regardless of race or other external factors. So many seem concerned if Devos is willing to uphold the ideals that were established in this case. The ideals of equality, acceptance, and education for all.
“I would say one big issue is common core. the material they are required to teach us often times is like really irrelevant and won't help us down the road, or it unnecessarily complicates things. Also I think we should be able to pick more classes on our own such as sciences or English classes we want to take, and not just have those options junior year. We should have those are whole high school career,” NHS sophomore Carly Swierbut said.
The flaws of public schools continue to be highlighted nationwide. From budget cuts, to overcrowded hallways, the public school system is quickly transforming and the parents and students of this country are not afraid to voice their disagreement.
“I would say the biggest flaw is the lack of accountability from the students. The teachers don't hold students accountable. The greatest change between public and private is the lack of motivation between students. Students at private schools have motivation to do well where as most public school students do not. The lack of motivation is student and grade driven. There are no incentives at Newtown to do well. The incentives at private school keep students entertained and motivated to work hard and do well because that's what everyone else is doing,” NHS senior Riley Rising said.
Political decisions like Devos’s are often criticized early on, and this time was no different. DeVos’s intentions were under speculation from day one and she continues to become a controversial addition to our political system, especially given her lack of experience with public education and the polarizing political landscape. Many look to Devos to support public schooling, but to also change the system and make it better for the next generation.
Although, some support the public school system and have high expectations for what the future could hold. “Public schools are good because they allow for community decisions on educational decisions as well as equality of access for everyone in a district regardless of a student's financial situation,” NHS senior Jason Hebner said.
Trump has recently discussed eliminating the Department of Education. There is a bill in Congress that already proposes that, “the Department of Education shall terminate on December 31, 2018.” When asked about the elimination of the department DeVos seemed unphased by the possibility, with little enthusiasm to carry on the mission. DeVos has become a public supporter of vouchers, the federal education law, and the Every Student Succeeds Act. Yet, her advocacy for the Education Department lacks. The lack of advocacy could further lead to unified speculation of public schooling today.
“There is a constant struggle of maximizing the limited resources you are given. But public schooling makes school personal yet meaningful and allows the opportunity for greater learning. You can always come to me, but you are also in a larger class where you can learn from each other. Communal learning has the challenge of how you can utilize all your resources because you can always use more,” NHS government teacher Jason Edwards said.
Like any other public institution schooling has its flaws, however it has proved as a significant addition to society since the early 1800s.
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