Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
As the world faces economic uncertainty,
it is troubling seeing the American people of tomorrow be so aimless.
Seeking a direct cause to this issue isn't easy as many complications play a role
such as cultural values, family environment, and personality type.
The sole crucial factor that we observe
to be the catalyst to this problem is the American education system.
The system's purpose is to prepare the new generation to enter the workforce.
With many students entering college uncertain of what to make of themselves,
it's safe to conclude that the American education system is becoming increasingly obsolete.
Instrumental in the crippling of our education system since the 1930's,
the academic practice of student promotion to the next grade level,
regardless of academic ability is prevalent in elementary and intermediate schools.
The effects of social promotion are severely detrimental to the entire system,
setting up students who haven't met the necessary academic level, unable to catch-up,
learn current grade material, and perform competently,
positioning them for post-high school failures.
It is socially irresponsible as it teaches
students that they can get by without effort and it gives
families a false sense of academic progress.
The reason it is still practiced is that it is
a cost-effective response to poor academic performance,
saving schools money that can be used for additional response measures
such as summer school and tutoring.
In recent years however, schools has have resorted
to a severely desperate response that's
more damaging to students and the system as a whole…
The manipulation of academic progress is attributed
to desperation due to the No Child Left Behind Act passed in 2001.
Schools in the brink of failure to meet the standards set by the act
have decided to undermine it by giving up on teaching entirely
and devoting their efforts to getting students to pass standardized tests,
falsifying academic progress and defeating the initial purpose of the act.
Ironically, with such abuse of the act,
it is the student not being left behind that will suffer consequences
of a severe magnitude as they're being guided to fail.
However, in spite of insurmountable complications,
glimmers of hope emerge with the installation of a possible solution…
Inspired by the growing success of the CUNY Start program at LaGuardia,
we propose the creation of a mandatory course
focusing on new students making career goals.
Students would have to choose 3 careers prior to the semester.
Each month, students will assess one of their chosen careers
and become knowledgeable through class projects.
By semesters end, students will have a grasp of their compatibility with their chosen careers.
To ensure that students participate in the curriculum,
the course would have credits.