Dear New Jersey Educational board, in response to your request to form a task force I have been appointed to serve as the task force’s educational policy historian. It is my job to examine historical education policies in order to discover if there is anything that can be used to improve today’s educational system. While searching through our great nations historical records, it came to my attention that, as a society, we have overlooked one very large and obvious issue with our educational system. Our state is not prioritizing our student’s education or their future. Schooling is expensive, the number of citizens in poverty is high, and there exists a skills gap throughout the entire country; however, all of that is fixable. Our educational …show more content…
He invented bifocals, the lightning rod, and played a major role in the establishment of our country. Even Franklin’s more eccentric inventions were founded in his belief in social improvement (Stamp 2013). One of Franklin’s best educational ideas was mixing ornamental knowledge and practical knowledge in order to create a well-balanced nation. By taking this basic principle and modifying it to fit today’s standards, I believe it will be possible for New Jersey to lower the unemployment rate, and revolutionize the higher educational system. Currently, there is no law that stipulates that students that graduate high school have to continue their education; but, this is part of our states …show more content…
One of the leading causes of that unemployment is that there are not enough qualified workers in the job market (Gillespie 2015). We are teaching our students ornamental knowledge, philosophy, arts, sociology, etc.; but, are neglecting to give them real world qualifications. A majority of students that graduate high school and either pursing a higher education, or are joining the job market, where they are underqualified for high paying jobs (Government 2016). In order to correct this issue, all future citizens should be required to pursue some sort of education, either a university or trade school. By making it mandatory for all citizens to either become as a craftsman, or have a degree that qualifies them to find a non-trade job, New Jersey citizens can gain the skills necessary to close the skills gap that is currently plaguing our nation. Through Franklins idea of a balanced education New Jersey can help improve its citizen’s lives, as well as its
Franklin was shifting gears during this time of his life. He was forty-three years old, a wealthy printer, but he retried, tackling non-commercial pursuits like science, politics, and education. This is when he observed that lack of higher education available in Pennsylvania. He longed to open a school for boys that would teach them the practical skills needed in their future endeavors. He stated, “Students preparing for the ministry or medicine would study classical languages, while those becoming merchants would focus upon ‘living languages.’ In addition, Franklin hoped that all students would learn practical skills, including planting and
r education” (). With an undergraduate student approaching sixty thousand, state funding in 1994 covered nearly 62.4% of the cost of a Rutgers education for in-state students, however this has changed tremendously. New Jersey’s Board of Governors' reported that the current year’s approved budget only covers about 35% of costs to students ( ).
Among the few nationally discussed topics today almost everyone can agree on is that our educational system needs serious repair. School buildings are in a physical state of neglect. Teachers are struggling. US school rankings are below average internationally, and graduation rates are at an all time low. The primary contributing factors for this are economic. Sadly, our society has allowed government administrations to place education at the low end of the federal budget with indisputable results. Our current policies on education do not support the needs of all students through inadequate prioritization, inequitable funding, and the devaluation of educators.
Diane Ravitch, an “educational historian”, answers four questions in her book, Reign of Error. Is American education in crisis? Is American education failing or declining? What is the evidence for reform being promoted by the government and adopted by many states? What should we do to improve our schools and the lives of our children? According to Ravitch, the “crisis” concerning American education is actually a myth. In this book, she addresses myth after myth providing adequate clarity and information. She looks deep into the facts and brings to light what is actually happening in education in America in the following areas: test scores, achievement gaps, graduation rates, teachers and test scores, merit pay, charter schools, virtual school, government involvement of failing schools. In the latter chapters she offers specific solutions with detailed plans and recommendations to preserve and improve American education. Ravitch’s thesis is that American public education must be protected against government privatization and that we must work together to improve our schools. I couldn’t agree more with Ravitch. Government involvement in education has negatively impacted education since the passing of NCLB. Our focus has changed from being innovative teachers to cookie cutter teachers. Government officials should not make decisions without advice from educational professionals. We must all work together to make education work.
This potential shortage of qualified workers has come to a level of conscious awareness and states such as Texas could benefit from the skill sets found within this diverse group of people (Hrabowski, 2012). Another problem centers on the need to fill the void that will be left by the large number of baby boomers who are close to retirement age (Malcolm, 2010). This phenomenon is not new, studies have established a correlation between earning a college degree and different socio-economic levels (Swaii, Redd, & Perna, 2003). Another study looked at the advantages of earning a post- secondary degree such as more pay, higher level of job satisfaction, movement between classes, access to better health insurance, and contributions as a tax payer (Baum, Ma, Payea, 2013). The Texas Higher Education plan “Closing the Gaps” has indicated the need for an educated workforce to contribute to the state’s prosperity and noted that an education takes an
During Benjamin Franklin’s illustrious 84 years of life he achieved success that seems practically unachievable today. Franklin found success in business, going from a teenager traveling colonial America looking for work as a printer, to building his own printing empire. Aside from business, Franklin also had a knack for inventing. He developed products such as the Franklin stove, bifocals, lightning rod, and the glass harmonica. Include the fact that he was also heavily involved in politics, is one of the founding fathers of our nation, and also one of the most intelligent men of all time, and it is easy to see that Benjamin Franklin was a thoroughbred renaissance man. It is one thing to know about the story of Benjamin Franklin, but it is completely different to understand the potential benefits of following his way of life. This essay will focus on the benefits that Franklin’s story could have on the typical college student. College is a time of immense personal growth, and what better way to grow than with the guidance from the author of the American dream - Benjamin Franklin. After four short years, students are let out into the real world so it is important to be prepared. That is why it would be wise for college students to follow the life of Benjamin Franklin as presented in his autobiography. Franklin’s work ethic, emphasis on personal growth, and frugality are relevant to college students today, and provide an outline for helping students find success.
There was a time when America’s education system was top-notch according to the culture and society. With time, a myriad of things has changed, but unfortunately what has not evolved is the American education system. The country is still following a system which was not designed for the current global economic climate. Equality, as positive as it sounds is not as sufficient when it comes to education. The system treats students equally yet expect a similar culmination and outcome. Every child has his individuality and distinct abilities; one cannot judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree. Conversely, a few of the prominent reasons why the education system is failing are overcrowded schools, the rise of technology, and following the same old school hours.
Benjamin Franklin is considered to be one of the most well respected figures throughout American history. After growing up in a working class family, Franklin’s self determination to using his talents served as a guide to his success. Franklin’s many talents allowed him to obtain the occupation of a statesman, author, inventor, printer and scientist throughout his lifetime. Franklin’s values on education, relationships, and the strive for better served as the reagent to his upbringings. Franklins quest for achieving more is a true example of how striving for more can result in a better way of life.
The New Jersey State Department of Education received government, state, and local funding for youths ages 5-17, as part of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program. The question is; how can the states revise and disperse the amount of funding allocated for after-school programs for the current number of children enrolled? How can we raise awareness about the higher enrollment after-school programs offered for children of all ages? The current data shows the ratio of children enrolled versus the number of children not enrolled, offset the amount of dispersed funds, and varies state to state. The New Jersey Department of education allocates the funded money towards after-school programs housed at public schools with a high enrollment rate while other states do not. This leaves a huge gap in society with not enough funds creatively used towards youth programs. Children of all ages should have access to an after- school educational program and support from within their community. Common motivational goals set forth in the evaluation for this program are, for children to receive the enhancement of moral values, equality, and diversity through after-school educational programs within their local school districts. This evaluation is based on the logic model format and designed to meet the needs and demands assessment criteria. Weighing the outcome of an economical developed society in which graduation rates will increase. While, in past the government started
For the past decade, our country’s education system has reached a flat line in results. Studies show that the United States is the number one country in education spending in order to improve our results, but standardized test scores have plateaued. During President George W. Bush’s term, he initiated a program titled “No Child Left Behind.” No offense to President Bush, however his educational initiative is the most ironic title due to its produced results. So far, no state in our country has reached one hundred percent proficiency in mathematics and language arts and the system has gotten deficient and is failing the millennial generations. Education is a key component to success in our fast-paced society and our system needs to change, for
Today American citizens undeniably face some of the nation’s greatest challenges. No matter the issue, there will be consequences as a result. A great issue as voted by most Americans is believed to be the high percentage rate of unemployment. Unemployment is a distressingly bad aspect, and unfortunately it is a daily normality and struggle for most individuals. There are a plethora of reasons why unemployment is intensively high; frictional, structural and voluntary unemployment for example, serve as major purposes to the leading cause of high unemployment. Frictional unemployment occurs from the amount of time spent in finding new employment in the free market. For example, a recent university graduate may not necessarily expect to find a job of their expertise and skills right away therefore the job hunt continues. This also occurs whereas people choose to be unemployed rather than accepting the first job that comes around or are in between jobs because they have become inessential or simply looking for a better, beneficial career. Structural unemployment occurs due to inconsistent labor skills such as occupational immobility where learning a new skill required for a certain occupation is complicated. For example an unemployed mechanic will struggle to find an occupation in the medical industry because of the difference in occupational knowledge. Geographical immobility
As many historians who have studied the life of Benjamin Franklin would say, he was the man who invented the American Dream. His unfinished autobiography, written in the late 1700’s, is a perfect insight into the society he was developing in and his passion to benefit his community. His worth ethic and determination led to his many accomplishments that helped shape the New World. Franklin’s involvement in community projects in Philadelphia was very important to him and reflected his idea of the virtuous life and moral perfection. His virtues helped him to be successful in many projects, a few being the formation of the Junto, the invention of the fireplace, the establishment of a school and the establishment of a hospital.
After he ran away from his abusive brother, his transformation began. Franklin went to Philadelphia to start his new life, and met his future wife along the way. After he settled in steadily, he started writing to the local newspaper, and people became interested in him once again. Along with all this, Franklin’s reading led him to science, philosophy, and the state: He was well known as an American philosopher, who also preformed science experiments which included the famous kite experiment, and would soon work to grant America
The year is 2012. In the movie Back to the Future II, two years from now, in 2016, Marty McFly travels from the past to save his family’s future. The future is almost upon us, and yet it would seem that our education system has changed little since Back to the Future hit theaters in 1985. “We still have same teachers, in the same parts, in the same schools, with the same level of knowledge, with the same equipment’s, and much the same standard of parental support” (David). Ironically, we have been steadily implementing policy after policy, increasing standards and accountability, promoting oversight and rule… the list goes on, and yet our progress seems minimal, our educators complain of underfunded classrooms, and our legislators complain of underperforming schools. The question of “how to improve our education system” is not getting satisfactorily answered because our system is not broken, merely underdeveloped. The truth is that America has made paces in improving its education technique or system; the problem that remains is for us to entrust our educators with the greater pliability and autonomy that they need to excel.
The United States has the world 's most extensive higher education system, a compound set of institutions- including public and private community colleges, liberal arts colleges, comprehensive universities, and world-renowned research universities. Every year, college students throughout the nation fall victim to theft, stalking, all forms of sexual assault, homicide, and other crimes. The law enforcement, campus officials, and legal professionals charged with identifying and dealing with violence risk at colleges and universities throughout the United States provide an important service under unique and (more often than not) challenging circumstances.