Is “Public” Missing From Public Education?

Are you planning to pursue a college degree and building a great future for you? Then you should also be ready to bear the grave burden of student debt as tuition fees in most public colleges around the world are increasing continually. 

Does Public Education Mean Debt?

 

Being an educator, I have spent several years serving in public higher education. But what I have experienced is both inspiring and disheartening. Although intellect and wealth almost assures the opportunity to pursue higher education, many students are still struggling to acquire they knowledge they need to build their careers.

In a recent news post, Mark Weiss, President of the public liberal arts college Western Oregon University (WOU), said “Many of my students are the first in their families to earn a college degree, but they amass significant debt to do so. I see student anxiety at the prospect of repaying debt in a less-than-robust economy, an economy not structured to fully utilize the skills they gained earning their degrees.” 

As unfortunate as it might seem, nowadays many students are getting burdened by student debts even when they pursue degree programmes from public colleges. The truth is most aspiring students are not properly prepared for the harsh and demanding conditions of college, even though they are fully motivated to acquire a degree. 

Alleviating Disparity In Learning 

 

I can assure you that in most cases intelligence or merit is certainly a reason for this. The problem is far more deep rooted in our education system and is primarily a result of inequality in learning experiences as well as family backgrounds. College education undoubtedly plays a significant role in putting this cruel cycle to an end by helping families upgrade to the middle class. We all know that generations of US citizens have gained a lot from accessible and affordable educational opportunities through a system which has been one of the best worldwide for a long time. 

Focussing On The “Public”

 

I believe that higher education is necessary for the betterment of both the community and the individual. A democratic society and a thriving economy can only be built through a strong middle class that has accessible academic and economic opportunities required for development. The President of WOU wrote, “Thomas Jefferson knew that an educated citizenry is the foundation of our democratic form of government – an informed populace using critical reasoning to realize the American dream in a thriving capitalistic system.” 

Earlier, the government used to handsomely support public higher education; however, in the past few years the government’s attitude towards expanding public education has changed drastically. I think it should be noted that the decrease in government support for higher education is aligned with the growing diversity in students who are pursuing a university or college degree. 

“Have we changed our minds about the importance of an educated citizenry? I think not. Instead we are mired in a vicious cycle where a declining U.S. middle class constantly struggles to keep its own head above water, with little left over to reinvest in higher education,” added Weiss. 

What Is The Solution?

 

I have observed that more and more students from the middle class are becoming ineligible for grants and financial assistance and are finding college tuition fees overwhelming. So it is important that the government, educators, students and even parents join hands to find a solution to this challenge as the economic, social and political costs of a weakly educated populace will be too high for us to pay. Now higher education has become even more crucial for our students and for our society than ever before. 

Mark Weiss concluded by saying “Please join me in urging our friends, neighbors and legislators to reinvest in our citizenry for future generations by putting the ‘public’ back into public education. Join me in a new attitude that fosters America’s most important resource by investing in the education of all who are our future. How? In true Jeffersonian fashion, elect those who represent your priorities and be involved in the conversation.” 

Do you agree with Weiss? Do you think the government needs to focus more on public education? Feel free to add to the discussion by commenting below. 

Article Source: delonline.us/1sY414O