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Identifying prevailing issues in Education

Education has the power to bring life-altering changes on an individual level and professional scale. The education sector is indispensable in the success of a country; after all, the root of all professions is in educating new generations.

Over the years, a lot has improved in this sector, but there’s a lot that can be improved.

Issues related to curriculums and administration roles are a hot topic of discussion in countries globally, without any lucrative solutions.

As an educator, it is necessary for you to understand these prevailing issues; and in this article, we’ll address those. Without further ado, let’s get started.

  • The mental health of students

In higher education, student mental health is deteriorating daily as the pressure of school, work, and societal expectations continue to rise.

Research by the American College Health Association indicated that in 2018, about 57% of college students had a higher level of stress than average.

This anxiety is counter-productive to educational performance and is known to pose risks to students’ physical health as well.

The leading causes behind this anxiety are unreasonably high expectations, academic pressure, unhealthy competition, unrealistic goals, and lack of opportunities.

One way to overcome this ever-increasing problem is a redesign of the school curriculum in a way that it avoids overburdening the students allows them access to an on-campus counselor.

The management & administration department plays a crucial role in addressing prevailing issues in the curriculum but lacks the expertise needed to formulate specific policies.  

This is why educational institutions actively seek qualified candidates in specific fields with skills like leadership and effective management to update and suggest policies for an updated curriculum.

It is an excellent opportunity for aspiring candidates to enroll in non-licensure courses like an MSEd Educational Leadership Online Program, which helps develop leadership, mentoring, and management skills crucial for the educational system today.

It is worth mentioning that on a junior level, schools are taking effective measures by changing policies concerning homework, school start-up times, and schedules.

  • Ever-increasing student loans and debt

Day in, day out, we hear stories of accumulating student debt, which is now a crisis situation for many countries. In recent years, student loans have totaled $1.5 trillion, exceeding car loans.

Many students across the globe are troubled by this rising issue. They are burdened by large payments that must be made through decades-long tenures.

Research suggests that many of these students suffer from mental health issues because the stress gets too much to handle. Perhaps the root problem behind it is much larger; the rising costs of attending college.

It is always best to target the root of a problem to eliminate the crisis, but bringing down education costs might not be immediately possible. The students and the business community need to take the first step with programs like income-based repayment.

  • Safety concerns

Every parent needs reassurance that they’re leaving their children in safe hands when they drop them off at their institutes. Increasing school violence over the years has threatened the safety of numerous students.

Especially since the 1990s, many incidents of school violence have resulted in the death of several students and staff members. In April 1999, for instance, the bone-chilling murder of 12 by two students at Columbine High School, Littleton, took place.

Then more recently, in 2014, the Peshawar school massacre took place where armed terrorists invaded Army Public School and killed 150 people (134 of whom were students), including students and teachers.

On the other hand are incidents of bullying that cannot be ignored. More than anything else, bullying threatens the student’s sense of security since they fear facing their bully each day.

In a study conducted in the 1970s by Dan Olweus, a number of bullying cases were identified across Europe, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

It was also reported that bullies were more likely to develop a criminal record in the future. The rising concern about bullying has encouraged many institutes to take action, but we need more efforts to put an end to it once and for all.

  • Lack of funding in public schools

Inequity in education cannot be ignored anymore. The disparity between private and public education has always been a cause of concern for many and creates an achievement gap for students.

The low budget allocated to public schools impacts the student’s educational achievement and job opportunities in the long run.

Additional funding is needed to reduce the size of classes, provide additional support interventions for young students lagging behind others, and increase teacher compensation.

Sufficient funding will also help introduce a more comprehensive curriculum taught by more skilled teachers.

Unfortunately, in the United States, budget cuts are still a thing while class size continues to increase. Even before the pandemic had struck, a Forbes article in 2020 reported that funding for schools in the United States had already dropped by 8%.

So, the ever-increasing disparity between public and private funding is another issue that needs attention.

Final words

The issues concerning education are deep-seated. For students, administrators, management, and the government alike, these problems should be alarming.

Yes, the sector has made tremendous progress over the years, but there are still many areas that need attention.

From student mental health, bullying concerns, and problems related to funding, there is still a lot that needs to be changed.

Cary Grant
Cary Grant
Cary Grant, the enigmatic wordsmith hailing from the UK, is a literary maestro known for unraveling the intricacies of life's myriad questions. With a flair for delving into countless niches, Grant captivates readers with his insightful perspectives on issues that resonate with millions. His prose, a symphony of wit and wisdom, transcends boundaries, offering a unique lens into the diverse tapestry of human curiosity. Whether exploring the complexities of culture, unraveling philosophical conundrums, or addressing the everyday mysteries that perplex us all, Cary Grant's literary prowess transforms the ordinary into extraordinary, making him a beacon of intellectual exploration.

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