The schools debate is asking all the wrong questions | Eva Wiseman

Date:

June 25, 2024

The debate surrounding schools has been a contentious one, with politicians, educators, and parents alike weighing in on the best way to educate our children. But amidst the noise, it’s become clear that we’re asking all the wrong questions.

The current discourse is dominated by discussions of funding, standardized testing, and the role of technology in the classroom. While these issues are undoubtedly important, they distract from the more fundamental questions that need to be asked. What is the purpose of education, anyway? What kind of society do we want to create, and how can our schools help us get there?

Instead of focusing on the how, we need to start thinking about the why. Why are we educating our children in the first place? Is it simply to prepare them for the workforce, or is it to help them become informed, engaged, and empathetic citizens?

The answer, of course, is the latter. But our current system often prioritizes the former, churning out students who are proficient in math and reading, but lacking in critical thinking skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence. We’re producing graduates who are well-versed in the art of test-taking, but ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of the real world.

Another question we’re not asking is what kind of values we want to instill in our children. Do we want to raise a generation of individuals who are driven by competition and achievement, or one that is guided by empathy, kindness, and a sense of social responsibility? The way we structure our schools and our curriculum sends a powerful message to our children about what we value as a society.

Furthermore, we’re not talking enough about the role of privilege and inequality in our education system. We know that schools in affluent areas tend to have more resources, better teachers, and higher achieving students. But we’re not asking how we can create a more level playing field, or how we can ensure that all students, regardless of their background or zip code, have access to a high-quality education.

Finally, we’re not asking enough about the impact of our education system on the mental health and wellbeing of our children. We’re pushing students to achieve more, faster, and earlier, without stopping to consider the toll this is taking on their mental and emotional wellbeing. The rise of anxiety, depression, and burnout among young people is a stark reminder that our current approach is not working.

It’s time to shift the conversation around schools and education. We need to start asking the right questions, and seeking answers that prioritize the needs of our children, rather than the interests of politicians or corporations. We need to create an education system that is focused on nurturing curious, creative, and compassionate individuals, rather than simply producing workers or consumers.

Only by asking the right questions can we hope to create a better future for our children, and for society as a whole. It’s time to rethink our approach to education, and to start building a system that truly serves the needs of all.