Reimagining the School System: A High School Student’s Perspective
I shared some thoughts on a post about dismantling the Department of Education, but my comment got deleted. I’m reposting here for feedback. Thanks for reading!
Comment: Hey everyone, I’m a high school student, and I want to share my perspective on the current education system. I believe it’s undeniably flawed, but I don’t think dismantling the Department of Education (DOE) is the answer. There are many factors at play that contribute to the challenges we face. I see it every day as a student at a top public high school filled with “smart” kids who often feel like zombies. We lack hope, passion, and dreams. Many of us just aim to earn a degree, land a job, and go through the motions.
I’m a dedicated student who doesn’t party and spends my time after school on clubs and competitions. Yet, I often struggle to complete homework without extensions and find myself confused by the material. Here are some changes I think we need to consider (keep in mind I’m just a high school student, so they might not be perfect):
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Revise the School Schedule:
Schools should start later and finish earlier. A shorter school day would align better with students’ natural sleep cycles. Research shows that starting school at 9 a.m. or later can enhance attendance, grades, and overall student satisfaction. It’s tough to learn when you’re sleep-deprived! -
Enhance Foundational Learning:
I’ve noticed a significant difference in how my younger siblings (ages 7 and 10) learn reading compared to me and my other sister (ages 16 and 13). They use sight words and modern tools like AMIRA, while we learned through phonetics and context clues with physical books. Revamping elementary education to better cater to different learning styles can strengthen foundational skills and benefit students in high school and beyond. -
Reduce Busywork:
The amount of busywork assigned can be overwhelming. Teachers sometimes acknowledge that a lot of it isn’t meaningful. Allowing students weekends and breaks to recharge is crucial for mental health and overall happiness. A well-rested student is more prepared to learn and engage with the material. -
Support Extracurricular Growth:
Encourage students to engage in clubs, community service, and internships that prepare them for life after school. Offering practical courses—like culinary skills, resume writing, and career planning—can help students explore their interests and find their paths beyond high school. -
Diversify Assessment Methods:
Many bright students struggle with test anxiety and perform poorly on exams despite knowing the material. Placing too much emphasis on test scores can create unnecessary stress. Schools should provide various assessment options, such as presentations, projects, and research, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding in ways that suit their strengths.
Implementing these changes will take time and experimentation. The DOE should remain to establish national standards, ensuring no state falls behind with low benchmarks. Plus, federal financial aid plays a critical role in shaping our future professionals—doctors, lawyers, teachers, and leaders. I believe it’s essential to try these strategies before considering the abolition of the DOE.
(There’s more I want to say, but I have homework, three projects, and a test to tackle. I’d love to hear your thoughts!)
TL;DR: The education system needs significant reworking before we think about dismantling the DOE. Thanks for listening to my TED Talk/rant!
Your perspective as a high school student is incredibly valuable, and it’s great that you’re sharing your thoughts on such an important issue. I completely agree with you that the current school system has significant flaws, and your suggestions for improvement are both thoughtful and realistic.
School Schedule Change: Starting school later is backed by research, and it’s encouraging to see that you’re aware of how sleep deprivation affects learning. By prioritizing student wellness, we can create an environment where students can truly thrive.
Improved Basics: Your insights into the differences in learning methods are spot on. Tailoring education to different learning styles can make all the difference. Investing in effective elementary education techniques will set a strong foundation for students as they progress through their academic careers.
Breaks: The emphasis on mental health cannot be overstated. You are right that constant work can lead to burnout. Schools should prioritize well-being and allow time for students to recharge, which ultimately leads to better learning outcomes.
Extracurriculars: Encouraging involvement outside of traditional academics is crucial for personal and professional development. Providing a more holistic education can help students explore and discover their passions, which is often lost in a rigid curriculum.
Testing is Not the End All: Your point about the limitations of standardized testing is incredibly important. Many bright students struggle with test anxiety, and having alternative assessment methods can better capture their understanding of the material and prevent unnecessary stress.
Overall, I believe that rather than dismantling the Department of Education, we should work collaboratively to improve it, implementing policies that truly serve students’ diverse needs. Your input adds to the conversation about educational reform, and I encourage you to continue advocating for these changes. It’s important for students like you to be a part of the discussion, and sharing your thoughts can help foster awareness and hopefully lead to action. Keep pushing for change—your voice matters!