Educational issues are a hot topic of debate across America and worldwide. Our school systems are in a constant state of flux and reform, so there is never a shortage of delicate, complex issues worthy of discussion and debate. Providing solid education - from Kindergarten to college - is obviously vital for the future. A well-informed populace is necessary to move humanity forward in terms of social progress, technology, medicine, and more. This is often why education policy issues tend to trigger passionate arguments. We all have an investment in the future, and we all want children and young adults to receive the best educational opportunities possible.
Some problems with education reflect current political issues and social issues, with problems like income inequality, gender divides, and civil rights issues bleeding into our school systems. The ongoing gun debate affects school safety. The rising cost of higher education shows the increasing class divide in America. Even though parents, students, faculty, and political parties can't agree on how to fix these current problems, we can all agree that reforms around safety, testing, and funding are necessary as we race toward a more technologically-advanced and populated economy.
What's wrong with education programs today? Which issues need to be tackled immediately? On-campus safety issues? Bullying? Loan-forgiveness? Below is a list of issues surrounding education in America. Vote up the issues you find the most important and urgent.
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478
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Students Smoking/Vaping
2
658
258
Sex Education In Schools
Sex Education In Schools
Out of the 24 states that require public schools to teach sex education, only 20 require information be medically, factually, and technically accurate. Should sex education be taught in the classroom at all and - if so - should there be more done to ensure students receive accurate information?
3
540
203
School Choice
School Choice
School Choice allows parents to send students to a school of their choosing rather than one in their district. Advocates say it benefits low income families, giving them more options than those provided by schools in their district. Opponents say the program siphons money away from low-income schools, failing to address larger systemic problems.
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660
270
Physical Education/Recess
Physical Education/Recess
Many modern day factors play a role in the importance of physical education. Child obesity, modern technology, and urban environments are all relevant. But should P.E. be a standardized practice among all kids?
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821
363
Bullying
Bullying
Are we doing enough to combat bullying? And how effectively is it addressed in the classroom?
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720
311
Teacher Wage Increases
Teacher Wage Increases
Teacher walk-outs and protests around weak wage increases have been dominating east coast school districts. With the rising responsibility on campus to teach multiple subjects, what should wage increases look like for teachers nationwide?
7
553
235
Civil Rights
Civil Rights
It's a topic of conversation extending beyond the classroom, but our educational institutions need to be setting the example. Are classrooms teaching students about current issues surrounding civil rights? And are students of all races receiving equal treatment in the classroom?
8
925
433
School Safety
School Safety
There have been 290 school shootings since 2013 and issues like sexual violence and aggressive bullying also plague classrooms everywhere. While Congress works to pass legislation protecting the nation's students, some feel regulations are not strict enough. How can educational programs work to combat such acts?
9
489
207
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Recent research shows that SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) is a key fundamental in children's (and adult's) education. SEL focuses on building strong relationships, practicing empathy, decision making, and learning how to manage emotions. Should we be pushing for more SEL in the classroom?
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623
283
School Discipline Policies
School Discipline Policies
Every school has a code of conduct that each student must abide. But are discipline policies applied in a fair and consistent manner, regardless of race, gender orientation, and other factors?
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808
409
Rising Cost of Higher Education
Rising Cost of Higher Education
Since 1988, the cost of college has risen 163 percent. Is college really feasible for the average person anymore? What can we do to curb costs and make higher education more accessible?
Charter Schools
Charter Schools
While independently run, free from some regulations, and sometimes operated for profit, Charter Schools remain publicly funded. Some feel Charter Schools provide a better learning experience for students. Others feel Charter Schools are a sign public education is becoming too privatized.
