problems of education with solutions

7 big problems–and solutions–in education

Solving these problems could be a key step to boosting innovation

Education has 99 problems, but the desire to solve those problems isn’t one. But because we can’t cover 99 problems in one story, we’ll focus on seven, which the League of Innovative Schools identified as critical to educational innovation.

While these aren’t the only challenges that education faces today, these seven problems are often identified as roadblocks that prevent schools and districts from embracing innovation.

Problem No. 1: There exist a handful of obstacles that prevent a more competency-based education system

( Next page: Problems and solutions )

Today’s education system includes ingrained practices, including policy and decades-old methods, that prevent schools from moving to competency-based models.

Solutions to this problem include:

• Creating and making available educational resources on competency-based learning. These resources might be best practices, rubrics or tools, or research.
• Convening a coalition of League of Innovative Schools districts that are working to build successful competency-based models.
• Creating a technical solution for flexible tracking of competencies and credits.

Problem No. 2: Leadership doesn’t always support second-order change, and those in potential leadership roles, such as teachers and librarians, aren’t always empowered to help effect change.

• Promoting League of Innovative Schools efforts to enable second-order change leadership
• Creating a framework, to be used in professional development, that would target and explain second-order change leadership discussions
• Schedule panel discussions about second-order change leadership

Problem No. 3: Communities and cultures are resistant to change, including technology-based change

• Identifying new and engaging ways to share cutting-edge and tech-savvy best practices with school and district stakeholders and community members
• Involve business leaders in technology-rich schools and create school-business partnerships
• Look to influential organizations to spearhead national ed-tech awareness campaigns

Problem No. 4: Education budgets aren’t always flexible enough to support the cost, sustainability, or scalability of innovations

• Build relationships with local businesses and career academies, and create incentives for companies to hire students, in order to create a revenue stream for schools
• Look to competitive pricing and creative solutions
• Leaders must not be afraid to take risks and support the changes needed to bring about this kind of budgeting

Problem No. 5: Professional development in the U.S. is stale and outdated

• Identifying best practices from other industries or sectors, and learn more about adult learning
• Create a community for teachers to access immediate help
• Personalize professional development
• Create and strengthen K-12 and higher education partnerships
• Create alternative modes of certification and reward forward-thinking practices

Problem No. 6: School districts do not have evidence-based processes to evaluate, select, and monitor digital content inclusive of aligned formative assessments

• Creating a marketplace or database to help educators identify and evaluate, as well as take ownership of, digital content
• Involve students in digital content evaluation
• Identify schools or districts to test digital content evaluation and storage systems

Problem No. 7: Current and traditional instructional methods leave students less engaged and less inclined to take ownership of their learning

• Creating working groups, within education organizations, with the aim of advancing authentic student learning
• Leverage the internet to create online tools and resources that offer innovative teaching strategies to help engage students
• Help teachers understand and practice authentic teaching and learning to help students master skills and standards

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10 of the biggest problems facing education

Children across the UK are heading back to school in the coming weeks. However, 250 million children around the world will be left out of the classroom. Revised for 2024, here are 10 of the biggest problems facing education around the world.

Education can help us end poverty. It gives kids the skills they need to survive and thrive, opening the door to jobs, resources, and everything else that they need to live full, creative lives. In fact, UNESCO reports that if all students in low-income countries had just basic reading skills, an estimated 171 million people could escape the  cycle of poverty . And if all adults completed their secondary education, we could cut the global poverty rate by more than half. 

So why are  250 million children around the world currently out of school? We aren’t at a loss for reasons after the last few years. Here are the top 10 problems facing education in 2024. 

1. Conflict and violence

Conflict is one of the main reasons that kids are kept out of the classroom, with USAID estimating that half of all children not attending school are living in a conflict zone — some 125 million in total. To get a sense of this as a growing issue, in 2013, UNESCO  reported that conflict was keeping 50 million students out of the classroom. Last year alone,  19 million children in Sudan were out of school due to renewed conflict. 

Education is a lifeline during a conflict, protecting children from forced recruitment and potential attacks, while giving them a sense of normalcy in times that are anything but. It’s also a critical element in reducing the chance of future conflicts in certain areas. However, despite international humanitarian law, schools have become targets of attacks in many recent conflicts. Many parents have opted to keep their children at home as a result. However, these are not easy years to make up. According to UNESCO, the first two years of  the Syria crisis erased all the country's educational progress since the start of the 21st century. Recovering these missed years also takes more time and effort, with many Syrian children requiring psychosocial care that hinders a "normal" learning curve. Unfortunately, as conflicts become more protracted, they are also threatening to create multiple lost generations. 

2. Violence and bullying in the classroom

Violence can also carry over into the classroom. One UN study found that, while 102 countries have banned corporal punishment in schools, that ban isn’t always enforced. Many children have faced sexual violence and bullying in the classroom, either from fellow pupils or faculty and staff. 

Children will often drop out of school altogether to avoid these situations. Even when they stay in school, the violence they experience can affect their social skills and self-esteem. It also has a negative impact on their educational achievement. Concern has addressed this head-on in Sierra Leone with our  Safe Learning Model .

3. Climate change

Climate change is another major threat to education. Extreme weather events and related natural disasters destroy schools and other infrastructure key to accessing education (such as roads), and rebuilding damaged classrooms doesn’t happen overnight. 

Climate change also affects children’s health, both physical and emotional, making it hard to keep up with school (and at times making it hard for teachers themselves to focus on delivering a quality education). With climate change linked so tightly to poverty, it also leads families to withdraw their children from school when they can no longer afford the fees or need their children to contribute to the household income. 

4. Harvest seasons and market days

In agricultural communities, the harvest is both a vital source of food and income. During these periods, children are often required to skip school to help their families harvest and sell crops. Sometimes they'll be out of school for weeks at a stretch. Families who make their living from farming may also have to move around if they have herds that graze, or to harvest crops planted in different areas. This is also disruptive for children and their education.

5. Unpaid and underqualified teachers

When governments are dysfunctional, public servants aren’t paid. That includes teachers. In some countries, teachers aren’t paid for months at a time. Many have no choice but to quit their posts to find other sources of income or are moved to other districts. 

As a result, schools often struggle to find qualified teachers to replace those who have left. But, without qualified teachers in the classrooms, children suffer the most. In sub-Saharan Africa, the  World Bank estimates that the percentage of trained teachers fell from 84% in 2000 to 69% in 2019 (with no updates yet as to how the pandemic may have affected these numbers). The World Bank adds that teachers in STEM are especially hard to come by in low-income countries. 

6. The cost of supplies and uniforms

Although many countries provide free primary education, attending school still comes at a cost. Parents and caretakers often pay for mandatory uniforms and other fees. School supplies are also necessary. These costs alone can keep students out of the classroom. 

7. Being an older student

According to UNICEF, adolescents are twice as likely to be out of school compared to younger children. Globally, that means one in five students between the ages of 12 and 15 is out of school. As children get older, they face increased pressure to drop out so that they can work and contribute to their family income. 

One solution we’ve adopted at Concern is to help those who didn't complete their education learn many of the things they missed out on, including financial literacy, business management, and vocational skills. 

8. Being female

In many countries around the world, girls are more likely to be excluded from education than boys. This is despite all the efforts and progress made in recent years to increase the number of girls in school. According to UNESCO, up to 80% of school-aged girls who are currently out of school are unlikely to ever start. For boys, that same figure is just 16%. This rate is highest in emergency situations and fragile contexts.

Many schools have no toilets (let alone separate bathrooms for boys and girls). This usually means more missed days for girls when they get their period. The World Bank estimates that girls around the world miss up to 20% of their school days due to period poverty and stigma.

Girls may also be pressured to drop out of school to help out their family, as we mentioned above with regards to taking a job. However, in many countries where Concern works, they may also be forced out of school to get married. Girls who enter into an early or forced marriage usually leave school to take care of their new families. According to the UN, 33% of girls in low-income countries wed before the age of 18. Just over 11% get married before the age of 15. In most instances, marriage and having children mean the end of a girl’s formal education.

9. Outbreaks and epidemics

We learned this the hard way with COVID-19. Even if the student body is healthy, they may be kept out of school if an epidemic has hit their area. Teachers might get sick, and families with sick parents may need their children to stay home and help out. Quarantines often go into effect. 

The 2014-16 West African Ebola outbreak was a severe problem for education in countries like  Liberia and  Sierra Leone . Ebola put the education of 3 million children in these countries on hold. As a response, we worked with the governments of both countries to deliver lessons by radio. We also trained community members to work with small groups of children on basic reading and maths. As schools reopened, we shifted our focus to helping children get back into classrooms safely, but many kids still had a lot of catching up to do. 

10. Language and literacy barriers

Even if a child goes to school in the town where they were born and grew up their entire life, they may face a language barrier in the classroom between their mother tongue and the official lingua franca used in education systems. In Marsabit county,  Kenya , the first language for most children is Borana. Once students start school, they must learn two new languages to understand their teachers: Swahili and English. 

UNESCO estimates that 40% of school-aged children don’t have access to education in a language that they understand. This is especially difficult for students who have migrated to a new country, such as Syrian refugee children being hosted in Türkiye : Not only do they have to switch from Levantine Arabic to Turkish, but they also have to learn an entirely new alphabet. 

This dovetails with literacy, another key issue in education. If a student struggles with reading (even in their mother tongue), it can have a ripple effect on their ability to learn in all other subjects. Many students drop out if they feel like they can’t keep up, either due to the quality of the teaching or to a special accommodation they need for their learning that can’t be made.

Concern's work in education

Concern’s work is grounded in the belief that all children have a right to a quality education. We integrate our education programmes into both our development and emergency work to give children living in extreme poverty more opportunities in life and supporting their overall well-being. Our focus is on improving access to education, improving the quality of teaching and learning, and fostering safe learning environments

We've brought quality education to villages that are off the grid, engaged local community leaders to find solutions to keep girls in school, and provided mentorship and training for teachers. Last year alone, we reached 1.1 million people with education programmes across 10 countries.

Learn more about Concern's education programmes.

Problems in education, solved

Education - Safe Learning Model Research

The power of education and emotional support in Syria to avoid another ‘lost generation’

How has Covid-19 affected education?

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Four of the biggest problems facing education—and four trends that could make a difference

Eduardo velez bustillo, harry a. patrinos.

In 2022, we published, Lessons for the education sector from the COVID-19 pandemic , which was a follow up to,  Four Education Trends that Countries Everywhere Should Know About , which summarized views of education experts around the world on how to handle the most pressing issues facing the education sector then. We focused on neuroscience, the role of the private sector, education technology, inequality, and pedagogy.

Unfortunately, we think the four biggest problems facing education today in developing countries are the same ones we have identified in the last decades .

1. The learning crisis was made worse by COVID-19 school closures

Low quality instruction is a major constraint and prior to COVID-19, the learning poverty rate in low- and middle-income countries was 57% (6 out of 10 children could not read and understand basic texts by age 10). More dramatic is the case of Sub-Saharan Africa with a rate even higher at 86%. Several analyses show that the impact of the pandemic on student learning was significant, leaving students in low- and middle-income countries way behind in mathematics, reading and other subjects.  Some argue that learning poverty may be close to 70% after the pandemic , with a substantial long-term negative effect in future earnings. This generation could lose around $21 trillion in future salaries, with the vulnerable students affected the most.

2. Countries are not paying enough attention to early childhood care and education (ECCE)

At the pre-school level about two-thirds of countries do not have a proper legal framework to provide free and compulsory pre-primary education. According to UNESCO, only a minority of countries, mostly high-income, were making timely progress towards SDG4 benchmarks on early childhood indicators prior to the onset of COVID-19. And remember that ECCE is not only preparation for primary school. It can be the foundation for emotional wellbeing and learning throughout life; one of the best investments a country can make.

3. There is an inadequate supply of high-quality teachers

Low quality teaching is a huge problem and getting worse in many low- and middle-income countries.  In Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, the percentage of trained teachers fell from 84% in 2000 to 69% in 2019 . In addition, in many countries teachers are formally trained and as such qualified, but do not have the minimum pedagogical training. Globally, teachers for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects are the biggest shortfalls.

4. Decision-makers are not implementing evidence-based or pro-equity policies that guarantee solid foundations

It is difficult to understand the continued focus on non-evidence-based policies when there is so much that we know now about what works. Two factors contribute to this problem. One is the short tenure that top officials have when leading education systems. Examples of countries where ministers last less than one year on average are plentiful. The second and more worrisome deals with the fact that there is little attention given to empirical evidence when designing education policies.

To help improve on these four fronts, we see four supporting trends:

1. Neuroscience should be integrated into education policies

Policies considering neuroscience can help ensure that students get proper attention early to support brain development in the first 2-3 years of life. It can also help ensure that children learn to read at the proper age so that they will be able to acquire foundational skills to learn during the primary education cycle and from there on. Inputs like micronutrients, early child stimulation for gross and fine motor skills, speech and language and playing with other children before the age of three are cost-effective ways to get proper development. Early grade reading, using the pedagogical suggestion by the Early Grade Reading Assessment model, has improved learning outcomes in many low- and middle-income countries. We now have the tools to incorporate these advances into the teaching and learning system with AI , ChatGPT , MOOCs and online tutoring.

2. Reversing learning losses at home and at school

There is a real need to address the remaining and lingering losses due to school closures because of COVID-19.  Most students living in households with incomes under the poverty line in the developing world, roughly the bottom 80% in low-income countries and the bottom 50% in middle-income countries, do not have the minimum conditions to learn at home . These students do not have access to the internet, and, often, their parents or guardians do not have the necessary schooling level or the time to help them in their learning process. Connectivity for poor households is a priority. But learning continuity also requires the presence of an adult as a facilitator—a parent, guardian, instructor, or community worker assisting the student during the learning process while schools are closed or e-learning is used.

To recover from the negative impact of the pandemic, the school system will need to develop at the student level: (i) active and reflective learning; (ii) analytical and applied skills; (iii) strong self-esteem; (iv) attitudes supportive of cooperation and solidarity; and (v) a good knowledge of the curriculum areas. At the teacher (instructor, facilitator, parent) level, the system should aim to develop a new disposition toward the role of teacher as a guide and facilitator. And finally, the system also needs to increase parental involvement in the education of their children and be active part in the solution of the children’s problems. The Escuela Nueva Learning Circles or the Pratham Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) are models that can be used.

3. Use of evidence to improve teaching and learning

We now know more about what works at scale to address the learning crisis. To help countries improve teaching and learning and make teaching an attractive profession, based on available empirical world-wide evidence , we need to improve its status, compensation policies and career progression structures; ensure pre-service education includes a strong practicum component so teachers are well equipped to transition and perform effectively in the classroom; and provide high-quality in-service professional development to ensure they keep teaching in an effective way. We also have the tools to address learning issues cost-effectively. The returns to schooling are high and increasing post-pandemic. But we also have the cost-benefit tools to make good decisions, and these suggest that structured pedagogy, teaching according to learning levels (with and without technology use) are proven effective and cost-effective .

4. The role of the private sector

When properly regulated the private sector can be an effective education provider, and it can help address the specific needs of countries. Most of the pedagogical models that have received international recognition come from the private sector. For example, the recipients of the Yidan Prize on education development are from the non-state sector experiences (Escuela Nueva, BRAC, edX, Pratham, CAMFED and New Education Initiative). In the context of the Artificial Intelligence movement, most of the tools that will revolutionize teaching and learning come from the private sector (i.e., big data, machine learning, electronic pedagogies like OER-Open Educational Resources, MOOCs, etc.). Around the world education technology start-ups are developing AI tools that may have a good potential to help improve quality of education .

After decades asking the same questions on how to improve the education systems of countries, we, finally, are finding answers that are very promising.  Governments need to be aware of this fact.

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Consultant, Education Sector, World Bank

Senior Adviser, Education

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The 10 Education Issues Everybody Should Be Talking About

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What issues have the potential to define—or re define—education in the year ahead? Is there a next “big thing” that could shift the K-12 experience or conversation?

These were the questions Education Week set out to answer in this second annual “10 Big Ideas in Education” report.

You can read about last year’s ideas here . In 2019, though, things are different.

This year, we asked Education Week reporters to read the tea leaves and analyze what was happening in classrooms, school districts, and legislatures across the country. What insights could reporters offer practitioners for the year ahead?

Some of the ideas here are speculative. Some are warning shots, others more optimistic. But all 10 of them here have one thing in common: They share a sense of urgency.

Accompanied by compelling illustrations and outside perspectives from leading researchers, advocates, and practitioners, this year’s Big Ideas might make you uncomfortable, or seem improbable. The goal was to provoke and empower you as you consider them.

Let us know what you think, and what big ideas matter to your classroom, school, or district. Tweet your comments with #K12BigIdeas .

No. 1: Kids are right. School is boring.

Out-of-school learning is often more meaningful than anything that happens in a classroom, writes Kevin Bushweller, the Executive Editor of EdWeek Market Brief. His essay tackling the relevance gap is accompanied by a Q&A with advice on nurturing, rather than stifling students’ natural curiosity. Read more.

No. 2: Teachers have trust issues. And it’s no wonder why.

Many teachers may have lost faith in the system, says Andrew Ujifusa, but they haven’t lost hope. The Assistant Editor unpacks this year’s outbreak of teacher activism. And read an account from a disaffected educator on how he built a coalition of his own. Read more.

No. 3: Special education is broken.

Forty years since students with disabilities were legally guaranteed a public school education, many still don’t receive the education they deserve, writes Associate Editor Christina A. Samuels. Delve into her argument and hear from a disability civil rights pioneer on how to create an equitable path for students. Read more.

No. 4: Schools are embracing bilingualism, but only for some students.

Staff Writer Corey Mitchell explains the inclusion problem at the heart of bilingual education. His essay includes a perspective from a researcher on dismantling elite bilingualism. Read more.

No. 5: A world without annual testing may be closer than you think.

There’s agreement that we have a dysfunctional standardized-testing system in the United States, Associate Editor Stephen Sawchuk writes. But killing it would come with some serious tradeoffs. Sawchuk’s musing on the alternatives to annual tests is accompanied by an argument for more rigorous classroom assignments by a teacher-practice expert. Read more.

No. 6: There are lessons to be learned from the educational experiences of black students in military families.

Drawing on his personal experience growing up in an Air Force family, Staff Writer Daarel Burnette II highlights emerging research on military-connected students. Learn more about his findings and hear from two researchers on what a new ESSA mandate means for these students. Read more.

No. 7: School segregation is not an intractable American problem.

Racial and economic segregation remains deeply entrenched in American schools. Staff Writer Denisa R. Superville considers the six steps one district is taking to change that. Her analysis is accompanied by an essay from the president of the American Educational Research Association on what is perpetuating education inequality. Read more.

No. 8: Consent doesn’t just belong in sex ed. class. It needs to start a lot earlier.

Assistant Editor Sarah D. Sparks looked at the research on teaching consent and found schools and families do way too little, way too late. Her report is partnered with a researcher’s practical guide to developmentally appropriate consent education. Read more.

No. 9: Education has an innovation problem.

Are education leaders spending too much time chasing the latest tech trends to maintain what they have? Staff Writer Benjamin Herold explores the innovation trap. Two technologists offer three tips for putting maintenance front and center in school management. Read more.

No. 10: There are two powerful forces changing college admissions.

Some colleges are rewriting the admissions script for potential students. Senior Contributing Writer Catherine Gewertz surveys this changing college admissions landscape. Her insights are accompanied by one teacher’s advice for navigating underserved students through the college application process. Read more.

Wait, there’s more.

Want to know what educators really think about innovation? A new Education Week Research Center survey delves into what’s behind the common buzzword for teachers, principals, and district leaders. Take a look at the survey results.

A version of this article appeared in the January 09, 2019 edition of Education Week as What’s on the Horizon for 2019?

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What are the major problems facing american education today, the top 10 education problems in america and possible solutions.

America’s education system has come under fire from many different angles in recent years. Some say that our students are not being given the opportunities they need to be successful in a globalized world. Others maintain that our teachers are not receiving the proper training and support they need in order to be effective educators.

No matter where you stand on the issue, it is clear that there are many problems with America’s education system.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the top 10 education problems in America and explore possible solutions.

Table of Contents

Top 10 Educational Problems and their Solutions

1.    lack of access to quality education.

One of the biggest problems facing America’s education system is the lack of access to quality education. This issue is especially prevalent in low-income and rural areas.

According to a National Center for Education Statistics report, only 60% of low-income students attend schools that offer a full range of academic courses.

This means that many students are not being allowed to take classes in subjects like science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This lack of access can have a major impact on a student’s ability to succeed in school and in life.

Solution:  One way to solve this problem is to provide more funding for low-income schools. This would allow these schools to offer a broader range of courses and programs and hire more qualified teachers.

Another solution is to create more online schools. Online high schools have more flexibility in their curriculum . This can provide students with a better education than they would receive at a traditional public school.

2. High Dropout Rates

Another serious problem facing America’s education system is the high dropout rate. According to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics, the dropout rate in the United States was 3.8% in 2017.

This means that nearly one in four students do not finish high school. The dropout rate is even higher for certain groups of students, such as low-income students and students of color.

Solution:  One way to solve this problem is to provide more support for at-risk students. This could include mentorship programs, tutoring services, and financial assistance.

Another solution is to create alternative schools for students who are not thriving in a traditional school setting. These schools could offer a more flexible curriculum.

3. Lack of Cultural Competency

Another problem facing America’s education system is educators’ lack of cultural competency. This issue is especially prevalent in schools that serve a diverse student body.

Many teachers are not adequately trained to teach students from different cultures and backgrounds. As a result, these students may feel isolated and discouraged in school.

Solution:  One way to solve this problem is to provide more training for educators on teaching diverse students. This training should include cultural competence, classroom management, and effective teaching strategies.

Another solution is to create more culturally diverse learning environments. This could be done by hiring a more diverse staff, incorporating a multicultural curriculum, and offering bilingual education programs.

4. Standardized Testing

One of the most controversial issues in America’s education system is standardized testing . These tests are used to measure student achievement and compare schools against each other.

However, many critics argue that these tests are not an accurate measure of student learning. They also place undue stress on students and teachers.

Solution:  One way to solve this problem is to reduce the emphasis on standardized testing. This could be done by eliminating high-stakes tests or using them for diagnostic purposes only.

Another solution is to create alternative assessments that are more authentic and student-centered. These could include portfolios, projects, and presentations.

The other solution is to provide more support for students, teachers, and administrators who are under pressure because of standardized testing. This could include counseling services, professional development opportunities, and stress-reduction programs.

5. Inadequate Teacher Training

Another major problem facing America’s education system is inadequate teacher training. Many teachers are not adequately prepared to teach their subject matter, especially in high-need areas like  math  and science. As a result, students are not receiving the quality education they deserve.

Solution:  One way to solve this problem is to provide more funding for teacher training. This would allow teachers to receive the proper education and certification they need to be effective educators.

Another solution is to create more incentives for teachers to pursue further education and professional development. This could include financial bonuses or paid time off for attending conferences and workshops.

6. School Funding

One of the most pressing problems facing America’s education system is the unequal distribution of school funding. Property taxes are the primary source of funding for public schools, but this method disproportionately benefits wealthier communities.

As a result, schools in low-income areas often lack the resources they need to provide a quality education for their students.

Solution:  One way to solve this problem is to increase federal funding for education. This would provide more money for schools in low-income areas.

Another solution is to redistribute funding from wealthy school districts to low-income school districts. This would help to level the playing field and provide all students with the resources they need to succeed.

7. Inequality in Education

Inequality is a big problem in America’s education system. According to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics, there are significant disparities in educational outcomes between different groups of students.

For example, Hispanic and African American students are more likely to drop out of school than white students. In addition, students from low-income families are more likely to have lower test scores and be less likely to go to college.

This inequality can significantly impact a student’s ability to succeed in school and in life.

Solution:  One way to solve this problem is to provide more support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This could include tutoring, mentorship programs, and financial aid.

Another solution is to improve the quality of education in schools that serve these students. This could be done by providing more resources, hiring better teachers, and offering more challenging coursework.

8. Lack of Parental Involvement

One of the biggest problems facing America’s education system is the lack of parental involvement. According to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics, only about half of parents said they were very involved in their child’s education in 2015.

This can lead to a number of problems, including lower grades and test scores, higher dropout rates, and less engagement in school.

Solution:  One way to solve this problem is to encourage parents to be more involved in their child’s education. This could be done through various methods, such as parent-teacher conferences, school-wide events, and classroom volunteering.

Another solution is to provide resources and information to parents about how they can help their children succeed in school.

9. Ineffective Teaching Methods

Another big problem facing America’s education system is the use of ineffective teaching methods. In many cases, teachers are not properly trained to teach their students effectively.

As a result, students are often not learning the material as well as they could be. In addition, many schools do not use data-driven instruction, which means that they are not tailoring their teaching methods to the needs of their students. This can have a major impact on student achievement.

Solution:  One way to solve this problem is to provide more training for teachers. This could include workshops, online courses, and mentorship programs.

Another solution is to use data-driven instruction. This means using data to identify the needs of students and then tailoring instruction to meet those needs. This can help to ensure that all students are receiving the best possible education.

10. Bullying

Bullying is a serious problem in America’s schools. According to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics, 20.2% of high school students are bullied at school each year. This can lead to feelings of isolation , depression, and anxiety. It can also adversely affect students’ academic performance.

Solution:  One way to solve this problem is to create a more positive school climate. This could be done by implementing anti-bullying policies and providing support for victims of bullying.

Another solution is to educate students about the effects of bullying and how to prevent it. This could be done through classroom lessons, assemblies, and counseling sessions.

Online Learning: The Best Solution to Education Problems in America

Online learning can be the best solution to the problems facing America’s education system.  Online learning offers several advantages over traditional classroom instruction, including the ability to tailor instruction to the needs of individual students, more flexible scheduling, and increased access to resources.

In addition, online learning can help to improve parental involvement and provide more support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

As the world becomes more globalized, it is crucial for students to receive a quality education that will prepare them for the workforce. Online learning can provide students with the skills they need to succeed in a variety of careers.

Additionally, online learning can help to close the achievement gap by providing all students with equal access to resources and instruction.

Final Thoughts!

Although there are many problems with the American education system, we believe that each problem can be solved. We have outlined 10 of the most pressing issues and possible solutions.

However, this is only a starting point. We need your help to make a change. Contact High School of America today to learn more about how you can get involved in making a difference for future generations.

Together, we can provide every student in America with an excellent education and give them the opportunity to achieve their dreams.

Seven Solutions for Education Inequality

Giving compass' take:.

•  Jermeelah Martin shares seven solutions that can reduce and help to eliminate education inequality in the United States.
• What role are you ready to take on to address education inequality? What does education inequality look like in your community?
• Read about comprehensive strategies for promoting educational equity .

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Systemic issues in funding drives education inequality and has detrimental effects primarily on low-income Black and Brown students. These students receive lower quality of education which is reflected through less qualified teachers,not enough books, technologies and special support like counselors and disability services. The lack of access to fair, quality education creates the broader income and wealth gaps in the U.S. Black and brown students face more hurdles to going to college and will be three times more likely to experience poverty as a American with only a highschool degree than an American with a college degree. Income inequality worsens the opportunity for building wealth for Black and Brown families because home and asset ownership will be more difficult to attain.

• Concretely, the first solution would be to reduce class distinctions among students by doing away with the property tax as a primary funding source. This is a significant driver for education inequality because low-income students, by default, will receive less. Instead, the state government should create more significant initiatives and budgets for equitable funding.
• Stop the expansion of charter and private schools as it is not affordable for all students and creates segregation.
• Deprioritize test based funding because it discriminates against disadvantaged students.
• Support teachers financially, as in offering higher salaries and benefits for teachers to improve retention.
• Invest more resources for support in low-income, underfunded schools such as, increased special education specialists and counselors.
• Dismantle the school to prison pipeline for students by adopting more restorative justice efforts and fewer funds for cops in schools. This will create more funds for education justice initiatives and work to end the over policing of minority students.
• More broadly, supporting efforts to dismantle the influence of capitalism in our social sector and supporting an economy that taxes the wealthy at a higher rate will allow for adequate support and funding of public sectors like public education and support for low-income families.

Read the full article about solutions for education inequality  by Jermeelah Martin at United for a Fair Economy.

More Articles

Our education funding system is broken. we can fix it., learning policy institute, nov 21, 2022, the funding gap between charter schools and traditional public schools, may 22, 2019.

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K-12 education reform: Top issues and solutions

Public education hasn’t changed much in 3 decades. We desperately need to innovate.

If you walked into a typical public K-12 classroom today, it would not look significantly different from your own classroom 15, 20, or even 30 years ago. 

Perhaps the chalkboards would be replaced by whiteboards, and teachers may now have microphones hanging around their necks. However, the classroom setup and teaching methods would be very similar: students passively learning from desks in rows facing the front of the room, where the teacher lectures from a state-mandated, standards-based curriculum, focusing on subjects and information likely to be on end-of-year exams.

The most troubling similarity across the decades:  large gaps in student learning proficiency that persist and continue to widen. After decades of trying to make standardized education work, communities, parents, and educators are pushing for solutions and policy reforms that support variety and innovation . This guide explores the primary challenges in K-12 education and offers solutions that could lead to transformative outcomes. 

First, let’s unpack the biggest challenges that should be addressed.

Issue 1 : One-size-fits-all approach

In 1989, 49 governors and President George H.W. Bush convened with the predetermined goal of improving the quality of American education. Their primary means for achieving this goal was the standardization of learning expectations to be monitored via yearly testing. 

In the 35 years since the summit, federal and state legislatures have relied on a one-size-fits-all education model. Governments have focused more on  what schools are teaching rather than  who they are teaching. However, the idea that every school can and should be teaching the same things, in the same way, has failed miserably. For example,  two-thirds of high school students report being disengaged, and  some inner-city schools have zero students testing at grade level in math and reading. 

One-size-fits-all teaching methods don’t factor in individual students and their unique needs and learning styles. This can lead to disengagement, frustration, and poor outcomes.

Issue 2 : Lack of individualized education

Research suggests students are more likely to thrive in environments that offer personalized learning experiences tailored to their interests and abilities. In one study, students in schools  using personalized learning methods outperformed their peers in math and reading over two school years, and students who lagged when they first entered personalized learning environments reached or surpassed national averages by the end of those two years.

Increased engagement is a key benefit of personalized learning. When students feel like their needs matter and are given the reins to their own learning,  they’re more likely to stay engaged and master difficult concepts.

With standardized instruction and testing , personalized learning takes a back burner because schools and teachers worry about losing funding and programs if their students don’t perform well on end-of-year tests. Parents also get caught up in grades and test scores because in traditional education systems scores can determine a child’s future. 

Unfortunately, the obsession with tests and grades takes a toll. When students leave high school, often the most prominent skills they’ve acquired are how to take tests and how to meet academic requirements — neither of which prepares them for life in the real world. They have  no understanding of their own aptitudes, strengths, or talents , and  they feel they lack the social and emotional skills to navigate adult life .  

When learning is individualized , it empowers children to explore their natural gifts and talents, hone them, and discover ways to use them to benefit themselves and others. 

Issue 3 : Inadequate preparation for the real world 

The current public education system is heavily focused on  test scores and  college preparation . To that end, high schools emphasize academic subjects like math, reading, and science. Students leave high school knowing how to  memorize information ,  take tests , and do the kind of  math and chemistry most of them will never use again. 

In the meantime, most students feel  unprepared socially and emotionally for life after school. Their traditional K-12 education hasn’t equipped them with essential life skills such as financial literacy, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, resilience, and effective communication. 

As New York high school biology teacher  Selim Tlili put it: “Education policy has increasingly centered on expanding access to college and helping students become ‘college ready.’ Rather than helping students become competent and self-sufficient adults, as school used to do, high school now focuses on the development of abstract skills that will purportedly serve them in college.”

Many students leave their K-12 education  feeling unprepared for the workforce and adult responsibilities . They’ve been taught to pursue college for so long that they lack awareness and information about alternative postsecondary career paths that don’t require degrees. According to a  2023 study by ECMC , only 13% of high school graduates felt they were prepared to choose a path after high school. Of students who chose to pursue a degree, 64% of them cited a lack of information about other pathways as a barrier to choosing anything else. 

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Reform 1 : Embrace individualized education

To address these pressing issues, K-12 education reform efforts should prioritize increasing access to individualized learning experiences that cater to each student’s unique needs and interests. Personalized education options, such as self-directed learning, can empower students to take charge of their educational journey, leading to increased engagement and success.

VELA, part of the Stand Together community, believes that sustainable change in education will come from the ground up. Through a vibrant network of education changemakers, VELA catalyzes a dynamic alternative education ecosystem by supporting community-driven innovation and accelerating the exploration of new frontiers in education.

Self-directed learning is an innovative model that allows students to set their own educational goals and pursue their interests at their own pace. Examples of such pioneering initiatives include  The Forest School , which emphasizes leadership skills, communication, and team dynamics, and  Life Skills Academy , which focuses on giving children space and resources to develop holistically.  One Stone school takes this innovation a step further by letting its high schoolers create their own curriculums. 

Reform 2 : Offer a diverse range of learning options 

K-12 education reform should prioritize expanding educational options and access for all students. By offering diverse learning opportunities, educational institutions can better meet the needs and interests of every learner.

A wide array of choices empowers families to create the best educational experience tailored to their children’s needs. Some may choose the local public school, while others might prefer a one-room microschool or a mix of public school and specialized after-school programs. There’s no single right way, and the possibilities for these learning options are endless.

Surf Skate Science brings science to life through surfing and skating for students in third grade through 10th grade. At  Uncommon Construction , students gain a real-world education while they work together to build a home in one semester.  Electric Girls empowers young women to pursue STEM subjects by allowing them to choose and complete apprentice-like projects. 

Education innovations are happening rapidly in the private education sector — fueled largely by disillusioned educators and parents. Scholarship programs like  North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship and educational savings accounts like  Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account provide ways of financing and accessing tailored education options — whether public or private.  Love Your School offers personalized support to families seeking alternative education models, empowering them to make informed choices and pursue the best education path for their children.

Reform 3 : Drive meaningful educational reform via advocacy and policy changes 

Advocating for policy changes that promote education freedom and innovation can drive meaningful education reform. Grassroots activists, educators, and organizations in the Stand Together community work to champion new education policies and initiatives, fostering a more inclusive and individualized K-12 education experience.

Populace studies the science of individuality, including the importance of teaching people based on their unique abilities and interests.  yes. every kid. ,  Available to All , and  Americans for Prosperity are advocacy organizations focused on informing policymakers, education stakeholders, and the public about the need for education reform. 

Building strong relationships between educators, students, families, and communities is essential for driving transformative change in K-12 education. By working together, stakeholders can encourage and support the entrepreneurs driving K-12 education reform. By investing in new and creative approaches to education, we can unlock the potential of individualized learning and empower students, educators, and communities to thrive.

The future of K-12 education

The future success of K-12 education lies in embracing individualized learning experiences and expanding access to diverse education options. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, we can empower students, educators, and communities to overcome challenges and usher in a new era of K-12 education that truly serves the unique needs of every learner.

Learn more about  Stand Together’s education efforts and explore ways you can partner with us .

For the millions of parents seeking low-cost alternative education, each choice is personal.

And why did they leave?

An MIT engineer noticed his daughter was tuning out at school, so he built a new learning model right out of his kitchen. It’s catching on.

This forest school integrates evidence- and nature-based therapies for children of ALL abilities.

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