Students often ask themselves why do we need school? When are we going to use this stuff in the future? Well the purpose of education is to enable people to know their full potential, to have a bright future that can lead you to have good resources like wealth, and to adapt to societal needs. Although there are many issues modern education faces, the three I want to address are challenges in fairness, inclusivity, and the impact of students' home environment.
In the article, “A Child of Slavery Who Taught a Generation,” Karen Grigsby Bates explores the concept of inclusivity, which is the idea of including all types of people, things or ideas and treating them all fairly and equally. Bates explains that she “resisted giving in to the districts all white, all male board of education, which wanted the school to teach vocational skills, feeling those were more practical.” Bates opposes teaching vocational skills and wants to advocate for academic education. This also mirrors the ongoing debate in modern education. Some parents may value education for broader opportunities, but others prefer vocational training for immediate job prospects. As for teachers, they want to prioritize academic excellence and critical thinking and advocate for vocational training, emphasizing practical skills for the workforce.
Another issue in modern education is fairness. In the same article by Bates, she explains that she “insisted that her students be exposed to classic literature and foreign languages. Math was not just sums, but advanced mathematics.” (Bates 9th paragraph). Bates emphasizes advanced math, promotes comprehensive learning, and addresses home environment impact by broadening horizons, and her diverse curriculum fosters inclusivity. Some parents' perspectives may be that a diverse curriculum enriches education and a holistic approach fosters inclusivity. Teachers however have needs like standardization for ease of management.
One more issue is understanding home environments. In the same article Bates explains that she “knew it could be done because she had her own life as a powerful example.” Educators can address the impact of their own background. Teachers may view this as advocating for educators as inspirational figures and emphasizing educators' understanding of diverse student backgrounds. As for parents, they view educators as role models for children and expect educators to be aware of, and address, diverse student needs.
Modern education faces challenges in inclusivity, fairness, and understanding students' home environments. These challenges are evident in the struggle between academic and vocational education, the need for a diverse curriculum, and educators' roles as inspirations and empathetic figures. Addressing these issues is crucial for creating a well-rounded and equitable education system that empowers all students.
I was inspired to explore the challenges facing modern education, particularly in terms of inclusivity, fairness, and understanding students' home environments. My writing process involved research, personal experiences, and clear language to convey the complexities of these issues effectively. I used anecdotes, quotes, and descriptive language to illustrate the importance of equitable access to education, the need for a diverse curriculum, and the role of educators in supporting students. Structurally, I organized this essay into sections focusing on each challenge, drawing inspiration from educational theorists and narratives that highlight the transformative power of education. Overall, my goal was to contribute to the dialogue on creating a more inclusive and equitable education system. One thing about me is that I love doing my research on a topic I find interesting.