What Does Education Reform Entail?

by Contributor

(Sep. 29, 2022) — If the COVID-19 pandemic showed us nothing else, it underscored the importance of education reform. The pandemic has exacerbated existing problems in our education system and created new challenges that must be addressed. So, what does education reform entail?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the specific changes that need to be made will vary from country to country and from region to region. In this article, Dennis Bonnen, Texas state representative, offers insights on what education reform might look like in the United States.

What is Education Reform?

Education reform is a broad term that can refer to many changes or improvements, from small-scale tweaks to major system-wide overhauls. Education reform aims to improve student learning and outcomes by making changes to the structure, delivery, or content of education. These changes can be implemented at the individual school, district, or state level or be part of a national or global initiative.

A History of Educational Reform in the United States

The United States has a long history of education reform. Some of the most significant changes have come in response to major social or economic shifts, such as the Industrial Revolution or the civil rights movement. Other times, reforms have been driven by concerns about declining test scores or international competition.

Horace Mann was one of the earliest and most influential education reformers in the United States. In the mid-19th century, Mann advocated for many changes to the American education system, including longer school days, higher teacher salaries, and more standardized curricula.

More recently, efforts to improve education in the United States have focused on increasing accountability, standards, and testing. The No Child Left Behind Act, passed in 2001, required states to administer standardized tests in reading and math and to make progress towards the goal of all students being proficient in these subjects by 2014.

The Every Student Succeeds Act, passed in 2015, replaced No Child Left Behind and shifted more responsibility for accountability and standards to the states. However, concerns about standardized testing and its role in education reform remain.

There is no one silver bullet when it comes to education reform. The changes that need to be made will vary depending on the context in which they are being implemented. That said, Dennis Bonnen shares some common themes in education reform discussions.

Teacher Support and Resources

One of the most critical aspects of education reform is providing teachers with the support and resources they need to be successful in their classrooms. Teachers are severely underpaid and overworked, leading to burnout and high turnover rates. In addition, many teachers do not have access to adequate resources or professional development opportunities.

Reforming the education system will require investing in teachers. This may include providing them with better pay, more comprehensive benefits, and more opportunities for professional development. It may also involve giving them more resources to work with, such as access to technology and updated textbooks.

Improved Curriculum and Assessment

Another common theme in education reform discussions is the need for improved curriculum and assessment. The current education system often relies heavily on standardized tests, which can be detrimental to student learning. In addition, the curriculum in many schools is outdated and does not reflect the needs of 21st-century learners.

Education reformers may call for changes to how the curriculum is developed and delivered and how student learning is assessed. For example, there may be a focus on providing more project-based learning opportunities and using performance-based assessments instead of standardized tests.

Technology in the Classroom

The use of technology in the classroom is another hot-button issue in education reform discussions. Some people believe that technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing student learning, while others are concerned about the potential adverse effects of screen time on young children.

There is no one right answer regarding the use of technology in education. However, reformers may call for changes such as providing all students with access to technology, increasing digital resources in the classroom, or using technology to personalize learning.

School District Accountability

There is also a lot of discussion about the need for increased accountability in school districts. Many education reformers believe that school districts should be held accountable for the academic performance of their students. They argue that this would incentivize school districts to improve their educational offerings and better support their teachers and students.

Increased accountability can come from a call for changes such as implementing standardized tests at the district level, tying funding to student outcomes, or creating independent accountability boards.

Where does Education Reform Start?

Education reform can start at the individual school, district, or state level or be part of a national or global initiative. Dennis Bonnen believes it is important to involve all stakeholders in the reform process, including educators, administrators, parents, and students.

If you are interested in education reform, you can get involved in many ways. You can start by talking to your local school board about the issues you are concerned about or joining a grassroots education reform organization. You can also write to your state legislators or members of Congress to voice your opinion on education reform initiatives.

Final Thoughts

Reforming the education system is a complex and daunting task, but it is essential if we want to ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education. You can be part of the solution by getting involved in the education reform movement.