The Future of Education Essay Example
The Future of Education Essay Example

The Future of Education Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (1022 words)
  • Published: November 8, 2018
  • Type: Essay
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The book authored by Aseltine et al holds immense significance in comprehending the state of education within the United States as it offers a thorough examination of the education system.

By examining the system, the book reveals its weaknesses and offers solutions. The training philosophy emphasized in the book acknowledges the important role of teachers in shaping students and establishing the school's reputation. While reading, I took note of my impressions, reactions, criticisms, and overall assessment of the work, which have now merged into my thesis statement.

While I acknowledge the positive aspects of the book, such as its valuable insights and action plans for improving teachers and schools, I will argue that it lacks recognition and addressing of larger systemic factors that have undermined the education system. A notable feature of the book is its documentation of the evolution of teacher evalu

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ation over the past century. In earlier years, teacher appraisal was informal, ad hoc, and subjective. However, it has now been replaced by a more precise method known as clinical supervision. This new approach allows for a quantitative and comprehensive assessment of teacher performance across various key areas. An advantage of these clinical supervision models is that they do not significantly interfere with the teaching process.

The role of the supervisor in clinical supervision involves engaging the teacher in goal-setting and determining assessment methods, then transitioning to an objective observer. The effectiveness of clinical supervision lies in its ability to identify deficiencies in teachers' skills, promoting mastery of teaching and classroom management basics (Aseltine et al, 2006). However, the success of clinical supervision should be considered within the context of the current state of education i

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the United States, which is lacking. Instead of being an institution to take pride in, educators are grappling with declining scholastic standards. It is believed that programs like No Child Left Behind may have actually harmed the quality and equality of education.

According to Aseltine et al (2006), educators agree that American students have a lower level of proficiency in math and literacy compared to their European counterparts of the same age. This deficiency in learning has significant implications for the future of the country. Due to economic globalization, many American jobs are currently being outsourced to skilled workers from India and China. If the standard of education continues to decline, American graduates and post-graduates will face tougher competition from workers around the world. Aseltine et al do not provide an explanation for this decline despite efforts made to improve learning methods. Additionally, it is unclear how they can assert that schools have improved when these mentioned realities are so disappointing.

Talking about the positives, Aseltine et al have done an excellent job in developing a supervision approach that is based on well-thought-out facts and assumptions about student learning. For instance, their approach acknowledges that students learn best when new information is connected to what they already know, instruction builds upon their knowledge and addresses their specific learning needs, and assessment guides instruction (Aseltine et al, 2006). Additionally, their supervision models are rooted in the understanding that improvement comes from within. Whether it is a student or a teacher, significant progress requires personal effort and setting goals. It also takes time for positive outcomes to materialize. While the authors deserve praise for thoroughly exploring all these elements

of a supervision model, they do not address the external influences on the state of education in the country.

The impact of capitalism on academic campuses has transformed education into a purchasable product, with its availability determined by social class. This situation has caused anxiety for parents as the cost of tuition continues to escalate amid an economic recession. Numerous middle-class American families are encountering growing difficulties in affording a high-quality education. Previously, public education acted as a safety net for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds; however, this is no longer the case due to governmental decisions to decrease public expenditure in response to recent economic downturns.

The book's overall quality is reduced because it intentionally omits addressing the important matter of funding for public schools. As a result, unqualified teachers are being hired and there is inadequate investment in infrastructure.

The book presents commendable ideas on reimagining supervision models. The author team has displayed their creativity through the development of the Performance-Based Supervision and Evaluation (PBSE) approach. This innovative model aims to enhance the professionalism of supervision methods and offers effective strategies to improve schools and school districts' analytical and instructional capabilities (Aseltine, et.al, 2006).

Furthermore, these scholars have conducted trials using the model, carefully documenting their successes in the three case studies. In order to ensure a broad and unbiased experiment, the selected schools differ greatly from one another. The first is a suburban middle school, the second is located in an urban school district, and the third is a statewide vocational-technical school system. The PBSE consistently proves to be effective across these various environments. However, it is important to note that the book overlooks any discussion

of educational ideas. This means that the current education system prioritizes obedience and skill development over critical thinking.

The current motives and methods observed in educational institutions are a far cry from the principles established by influential figures like John Dewey. The current system aims to indoctrinate young individuals, resembling a colossal assembly line that churns out labor forces for Corporate America. The nation’s business leaders stem from these mass-producing institutions.

This explains why the nation is often plagued by corporate scandals, bankruptcies, stock market crashes, economic depressions and recessions, and steadily increasing unemployment rates. Against the backdrop of these gloomy realities, it is evident that the education system fails to develop enlightened and motivated young leaders capable of leading business and political institutions. While enhancing teacher supervision methods and evaluation criteria may enhance the system's efficiency, there is no indication in the book that it would enhance the nation's prospects. It is reasonable to argue that even if the PBSE were implemented nationwide, it would not alleviate economic inequality, enhance social unity, prevent financial crises, reduce instances of war, or promote culture and the arts.

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