The digital world we live in undoubtedly demands constant adaptation, and industries that find themselves unable to adjust inevitably fall behind. This has made many people wonder if the American education system has failed to keep pace with these changing times and is presently confronted with a multitude of problems. After all, the American education system was meticulously designed to cater to the evolving demands of the industrial revolution. However, as time passed and the economic landscape evolved, people wonder if this once thriving system is now struggling to meet current needs.
According to CNN, the American education system has been confronted with a myriad of concerns over the last couple of years. From increasing teacher burnout and staff shortages to reducing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, these issues have impacted education and forced decision-makers to come up with effective solutions. The US already spends more per student than most other countries, and the country’s education policies continue to evolve. However, American students say that more action is needed to improve the system. Their ideas might prove extremely valuable in improving the quality of education.
What Do US Students Say About Their Schools?
More than 3,000 US students believe that American schools could be improved in many ways, according to a new Gallup and Walton Family Foundation survey. The study polled 3,114 12-to-25-year-olds in the spring of 2023 and asked them to grade their schools on eleven different aspects. Students were provided with the option to rate each aspect with an “A” for excellent, a “B” for good, a “C” for satisfactory, a “D” for poor, or an “F” for fail. On the whole, American students decided to grade their schools a “B-”.
When it comes to the most prominent problems now facing the American education system, students have pointed to the lack of support for mental health in US schools, and their failure of making children and teens excited about learning. In fact, American schools have received the lowest scores on: “supporting your mental health,” “teaching you in ways that adapt to your unique learning needs,” “teaching you about potential careers” and “making you excited about learning.” When considering all aspects, just 22% of students gave their schools an “A”. 44% of participants gave their schools a “B” rating, while 24% assigned a “C.”
Using Data to Improve the System
In May 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration announced it would take decisive measures to facilitate the provision of essential healthcare services, with a particular focus on mental health services for millions of students across the nation. These actions align with President Biden’s comprehensive national mental health strategy and uphold his commitment to addressing the country’s mental health crisis as part of his Unity Agenda. The Administration has promised to make sure that American children and teens will have access to the healthcare services they need, particularly mental health services.
It comes as no surprise that providing better mental health services inside and outside American schools is now vital. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more and more children and teens are diagnosed with depression and anxiety as time passes. Furthermore, depression, substance use, and suicide are important concerns among teenagers, with 15.1% of American teens having experienced a major depressive episode between 2018 and 2019. This data seems to confirm the conclusion of the Gallup and Walton Family Foundation survey: American schools need to do a better job when it comes to supporting mental health among students.
Building the Future of Learning
The students’ ideas and concerns about their schools could play a crucial role in shaping the future of learning. Because they are the primary beneficiaries of the American education system, students can provide valuable insights into its strengths and shortcomings. By actively involving students in shaping the future of learning, more effective and engaging educational approaches can be developed. For now, this means decision-makers should provide children and teenagers with better mental health services, while educators should make sure they build classroom environments that make students excited about learning.
