The Education Reform of the 21st Century

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The Education Reform of the 21st Century
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The Education Reform of the 21st Century

In today’s American school system we thrive on absorbing as much information as humanly possible in subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and social studies. However, these subjects and various courses do not fully prepare students for the real-world. In the 21st century we live in a world of competition, technology, and hardships. Students need to be prepared for this transition and as of now; the current educational system is not doing a sufficient job. As students, it seems to be our responsibility to thoroughly understand topics covered in class and to be able to demonstrate our knowledge. Ask yourself, in ten years from now, if it will be necessary for you to know how to graph a trigonomic function? The obvious answer is no unless you become some type of mathematician. We need to redetermine our focus of education. Rather than learning skills students only need now, students should be learning skills that they will need for life. 70% of employers reported that recent graduates lack necessary skills that, students include professionalism, work ethic, critical thinking, and problem solving. 50% of employers find these skills very important for succeeding in the workplace. Rather than offering another algebra course, students should be offered courses such as success in the workplace, personal accounting, basic maintenance, and a course that directly relates to the student’s chosen vocation. For example, students in Australia begin learning culinary arts and restaurant management at the age of 16 and began working in the same field at 19. American students who are interested in the culinary arts would typically take a home economics class, but due to recent budget cuts, this class is rarely offered. In addition, teenagers are often perceived as lazy, arrogant, and rude. In many high schools, many students rarely pick up after themselves using “the janitor can do it” as their excuse. With attitudes like these, how are students supposed to succeed in the work industry? In my opinion, a self-improvement/ awareness class should be offered to teach kids basic manners but also to help improve basic everyday skills in the work environment. Unlike American children, Taiwanese students are responsible for keeping their school clean and are required to spend an extra 30 minutes every day cleaning the school. With the reform of American education, students will be fully prepared to enter the work place with confidence and the ability to succeed. There are a set of key, essential, and fundamental skills that are required in the workplace, that today many teens lack. Developing employability is not an easy task and one that must be accomplished over time, which is precisely why students should start preparing now, years before their career begins. A revamp in education will lead to this readiness and make teens ready for prime time.

Kingston, Peter. "Young People Lack the Skills They Need at Work | Education | The Guardian." Latest News, Sport and Comment from the Guardian | The Guardian. 9 Feb. 2009. Web. 11 Jan. 2012. <http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2009/feb/10/work-skills>.
Loten, Angus. "Young Employees Lack Basic Skills." Inc. 27 Oct. 2006. Web. 10 Jan. 2012. <http://www.inc.com/news/articles/200610/workforce.html>.