Revamping the US Education System: Key Insights and Actions
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Chapter 1: The Need for Fair Education Financing
Achieving fairness and equity in education financing is crucial for all students across the United States. In various regions, affluent school districts benefit from higher state and local funding, while in others, predominantly white districts receive disproportionate financial support. For instance, the Philadelphia School District, which serves a significant number of students of color, receives over $2,000 less per student annually compared to more affluent, predominantly white districts in Pennsylvania. This disparity leads to a staggering funding shortfall of nearly $400 million each year. The implications are profound, affecting everything from teacher salaries and educational materials to essential services for students facing emotional and behavioral challenges. Currently, a fair funding trial is underway in Pennsylvania.
As part of my interview series aimed at discussing improvements in the US educational framework, I had the opportunity to speak with Clayvon Harris.
Clayvon Harris, a passionate advocate for equitable education, has completed over 90 substitute teaching assignments in 67 different public schools in Philadelphia. She holds an MFA in Cinema-Television/Screenwriting from the University of Southern California and a BA in English Literature from Swarthmore College, where she learned the importance of social change. Her book, Sub — Inside the Notorious School District of Philadelphia, provides a compelling first-hand account of the daily struggles faced by educators and students nationwide.
Thank you for joining us! Our readers would love to learn more about your journey. What inspired you to pursue this career path?
I initially found success in writing for half-hour television shows, but I believed that the one-hour format would allow me to delve into more complex issues. Transitioning proved challenging; often, the individuals I encountered were not expecting a woman, let alone a Black woman. My agent frequently received feedback like, "She's great, but this isn't a Black show." These experiences led me to reconsider my career direction. I had always been interested in teaching and believed I could make a significant impact in the classroom. I sought emergency teaching credentials in Los Angeles, but while awaiting my assignment, I realized I could teach in Philadelphia and be closer to my family. Unfortunately, I learned that Pennsylvania does not provide emergency credentials, so my options were to become certified—taking roughly two years—or to substitute teach. I was told, "We're desperate for substitute teachers," so I decided to dive in.
The first video discusses how some parents are voicing concerns regarding the Biden-Harris education initiatives, highlighting the ongoing debates surrounding educational reforms.
Section 1.1: Insights from the Classroom
What has been the most striking experience in your teaching career? What lessons did you take away from it?
Rather than a single story, it was more of a realization: classroom disruptions were far worse and more damaging than I had anticipated. My background was in Catholic and private schools, so I was unaware of the realities of large, underfunded urban public schools. I expected some wear and tear on the facilities and a few unruly students, but I was unprepared for the constant interruptions to the learning process. I spent an enormous amount of time managing the behavior of a handful of students, leaving the others waiting (not always patiently) to return to the lesson. Over time, I recognized that this disruption not only hindered students' education in Philadelphia but was a widespread issue across the state and nation. This realization prompted me to write Sub, aiming to shed light on why so many students are deprived of the education they deserve.
The second video showcases how Communities in Schools aids students in returning to school more prepared, emphasizing support systems for educational success.
Section 1.2: Current Projects and Future Aspirations
Are you currently working on any exciting projects? How do you envision these will benefit others?
At present, I am completing a companion piece to my book Sub — Inside the Notorious School District of Philadelphia. I've often been asked, "What do you want people to do?" and "How can I contribute?" I believe that understanding the fundamental issues is the first step toward taking action. Even small efforts, like sending an email, can make a difference. My aim for the Sub Workbook is to provide a succinct overview of key issues and offer actionable suggestions for how individuals can help create more equitable educational opportunities for all children. I hope to have it ready by July of this year, if not sooner. It will be available as a free download on www.angelwalk.biz.
Chapter 2: The State of US Education
From your perspective, how would you evaluate the outcomes of the US education system?
While there have always been elite public schools that rank among the best globally, this is far from the norm for most schools in the US. The PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) is administered every three years to students in 80 countries. The 2021 test was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but in 2018, the US ranked 25th—a surprising position for a country that is often considered the best in the world (China ranked highest). According to the 2017 Condition of College and Career Readiness report, only 39% of US students were prepared for college-level work in three or more subjects. This lack of preparedness results in an annual expenditure of $1.3 billion on remedial college courses for high school graduates who are ill-equipped for higher education. While some schools excel, the overall performance of the US education system warrants an "F."
Can you identify five strengths within the US education system?
- There is a growing recognition of the significant problems we face, with many actively seeking solutions.
- Across various regions, districts, counties, and private institutions are experimenting with innovative teaching methods and learning strategies to enhance outcomes. In Philadelphia, for example, some schools have been taken over by private universities or technology foundations, or have been restructured to emphasize project-based learning. Many of these initiatives show promise.
- The American Rescue Plan has allocated funds to school districts nationwide to address educational deficiencies exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many districts are in dire need of these resources just to cover basic necessities.
- There is an increasing focus on early literacy. For instance, the School District of Philadelphia has launched an Early Literacy Initiative, aimed at revamping K-2 classrooms to bolster reading instruction, with the goal of ensuring all students read at grade level by fourth grade.
- Lastly, according to economist Rucker Johnson from Berkeley, 28 states have been ordered by courts to reform their education funding practices to ensure fairness and equity.
All these initiatives would have a more significant impact if schools could reduce disruptions.