Controversial topics in education. It’s not something you see often, but sometimes an issue arises that forces teachers to take a stand.
The educational system is constantly changing and evolving. Curriculum updates, improved standards, and grant money can all impact how a classroom (or entire district) is run.
Some controversial topics in education put educators on two sides of the spectrum — at odds over which school of thought is right. It’s not always easy or comfortable to discuss “taboo” topics. But that doesn’t mean these issues should go unaddressed.
Without debate, you lack change. And change is part of growth — both personal and professional. Here are some of the most controversial topics in education that can’t be ignored.
Common Core Curriculum
For those unfamiliar with the common core curriculum, here’s a quick rundown. Common core is a set of high-quality academic standards which outline exactly what students should know at each grade level.
Standards span several subjects including math, English, literacy, and language arts. These standards guarantee all students graduate high school with the skills and education needed for college. Or, at least that’s their purpose.
Whether or not common core standards are actually a positive addition to the education system is up for debate. Here are a few of the pros and cons.
Pros
When it comes to leveling the playing field, common core standards ensure continuity across all districts. Students throughout the nation are learning the same skills and lessons at the same time.
Common core builds on the top standards within each district, not the bottom. This helps even top-rated schools see continued improvements.
While the common core curriculum is about consistency, it still allows room for diverse groups and populations to succeed. Because educators designed this curriculum for educators, it relies on practical classroom applications.
Cons
But not everyone’s convinced that the common core curriculum is the best approach for students or districts as a whole. While the premise is that the curriculum offers adjustments and “wiggle room” for diverse populations, it’s not designed to accommodate all groups, nationally.
The curriculum is also most successful in the right atmosphere — a district with adequate funding and high-achieving students.
The common core curriculum is a government-funded program. That funding is then passed onto the school systems that adopt it. If you want access to the grant money, you must adhere to the program guidelines.
On the grand scale, the common core curriculum can’t guarantee an improvement in test scores. It also creates a seemingly “one size fits all” approach to teaching, which goes against the ideology that every student is unique.
School Choice
Schools offer a sense of community. Something is comforting about your child moving up the ranks from elementary to upper-level schools within your town. But the introduction of school choice is shaking things up.
Depending on the district requirements, students at various grade levels have the opportunity to attend an out-of-district school.
So, why are parents opting their kids out of district? And what does it mean for the school system? Let’s take a look.
Why Parents Are Using School Choice…
One of the main reasons parents opt for school choice is they feel the current school system is doing their child a disservice.
Whether it’s because the district’s test scores are low or the parent doesn’t like the curriculum, they have the option to move their child.
But there are other, more plausible, reasons for using a choice school. Students with special needs or interests may not have access to the resources and education they want or require.
Certain schools specialize in teaching specific skills or using a certain teaching method. In some cases, parents want their child enrolled in a specific athletic program.
This is where the debate comes into play. Some people believe the child should thrive within their own district and utilize those resources. Others believe it’s a parent’s right to fight for the quality education their child deserves.
And how do teachers and administrators feel about school choice?
…And Why Educators Don’t Like It
It’s simple math, really. Lower enrollment means less funding for the school.
And the more students that leave the district for “better” education, the worse it looks for the school system.
Every district receives a portion of state funding for each child enrolled. When a parent uses school choice to send the student elsewhere, that funding goes with them. That means not only is the current district losing a student but much-needed funds as well.
Low enrollment usually means budget cuts. So, how can a district struggling to retain students make improvements with little to no money?
The controversy over school choice creates a catch-22 scenario. Students are entitled to leave and find a quality education out of the district. But without adequate funds, that district can’t better its programs to attract students back.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Now more than ever, teaching to the whole child is a practice in most classrooms. But what exactly does it mean?
Adopting the social-emotional learning (SEL) approach means stepping outside of the purely academic parameters that guide most educational systems. Students are more than brains and bodies to fill with information.
They have feelings, needs, and personalities that should be fostered and respected. The old adage, “you get more bees with honey than vinegar,” can be applied here.
Some educators believe all students should meet the standards and do so using the same teaching approach across the board. That there’s no room (or time) for making adjustments or “coddling” them.
Other, more open-minded, educators understand the importance and proven success when teachers pay close attention to student’s social and emotional development.
What Does SEL Focus On?
Before you can make a judgment about whether or not SEL is a valid teaching approach, you need to understand its principles and purpose.
SEL is designed around five main ideas:
- Self-awareness
- Social awareness
- Self-Management
- Relationship skills
- Responsible decision making
What’s clear from looking at these concepts, is that SEL focuses on teaching students life skills. Not only that but when a child (and teacher) are better in tune with the student’s emotions and ability to control thoughts and behaviors, learning is enhanced.
Sadly, mental disorders and disturbances in children and young students are on the rise. But SEL learning isn’t only for those students diagnosed with social and emotional issues.
Developing these skills in all young adults can be instrumental in future success. There are few who fight against SEL. But those who do attack the methods of SEL not the premise of its implementation.
Things like mindfulness, meditation, and other “unconventional” means can spark controversy among some long-time educators.
Online Education and Resources
Technology in the classroom is a debate of the past. Even though it caused some controversy when it first emerged, technology is now a staple in classrooms across the country and world.
But what about using online tools for educational purposes? Things like discussion boards, online learning centers, and even homework assignments, can all be done on the computer.
While this is a convenient and invaluable resource in the eyes of some teachers, others find it too impersonal. Here are both sides of the debate.
Advocates for Online Education
Online courses make education available to anyone. Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to better yourself, someone seeking certification, or a student studying abroad, the internet makes anything possible.
But even aside from the actual online courses available, more and more educators are utilizing online resources for students as young as elementary school.
Teachers can have students email their assignments in. Discussion boards allow for collaboration among classmates. Online databases and educational sites offer interactive lessons for students.
Hybrid college courses are designed specifically around the use of online education. Half the semester’s classes are in the classroom, while the other half are completed online.
With the introduction of video chat, students can interact with one another and their teacher in real-time. Video chat is also available across time zones, opening up the possibility for more cultural experiences in the classroom.
The Downside to Online Education
Most naysayers to online education feel it’s impersonal. For some, seeing a teacher or classmate in real-time on the screen isn’t enough. Online education takes interaction out of the learning experience.
Parents argue that online homework assignments make it difficult for them to track student progress. Some guardians want tangible evidence that their child is completing their homework assignments.
While a somewhat archaic belief, if papers aren’t coming home in the child’s backpack, some parents wonder how much work is truly being done?
There’s also a generation of parents and guardians out there who aren’t tech-savvy. This makes it difficult for them to log into parent portals to check student grades and communicate with the teacher.
Another concern is online safety. As resourceful as the internet is, it’s also a source of bullying and other dangers. Teaching online safety to students is one way to combat this concern.
Approach Controversial Topics in Education with an Open Mind
People are passionate about education. Whether you’re an educator yourself, a parent, or a student, controversial topics in education can create quite the uproar.
One thing to remember is that the purpose of education is what’s best for the student. This sometimes means putting your pride and feelings aside to act in the best interest of the child.
But that doesn’t mean you have to dismiss your opinion. Have something to contribute to these debates? Comment below!
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