Equality In Todays Schools Essay -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In this class, we have struggled to evaluate the current educational system in order to determine if significant social issues, including increasing regional poverty, and declining literacy rates in specific urban regions are related to economic differentiations in the education system. Because of recent studies, some have considered the issue of educational funding allotments in order to determine a system that provides greater equity between socioeconomically disadvantaged inner-city schools and wealthier suburban, middle class schools. This funding issue has been addressed a number of times. It has been recognized that the foundation for the necessary funding changes have stemmed from the recognition that school funding differences relate directly to sociological issues, including the creation of a cycle of poverty and illiteracy in under funded urban settings.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One of the most significant issues raised in public education in recent years is the radical difference that exists in funding levels between wealth and poor school districts (Zuckman 749). Many states have allotted educational funding related to tax revenues, and this has determined a higher level of educational spending in wealthy neighborhoods and a much lower level of spending for inner-city poor and rural poor communities (Zuckman 749). Because of this focus, a number of states have considered and implemented plans for the equalization of school funding, but this has not come without considerable opposition (Zuckman 749). Though individuals in low-income neighborhoods areas have defined this equalization as a positive process for improving urban schools, wealthier suburban populations have complained that this will take away funding necessary to maintain programs that are already in place (Zuckman 749).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In class, we have argued that the differences in these educational settings have had a direct impact on the outcomes for students. Because a positive educational setting is a direct indicator of the capacity of a person to develop into a productive citizen, it has been determined that only with sufficient funding can public schools offer the educational process necessary to determine positive outcomes. Funding for elementary schools and public schools in general, is shifting from the federal level... ...l improvements, better educational materials, and nicer facilities while children in of the urban poor are often provided with the essentials.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I think the outcomes in disadvantaged educational settings are a direct result of the socioeconomic conditions and are directly correlated. Low test scores tend to be reflected as an outcome of low-income public education while higher standardized test scores are correlated to the increased educational focus and the impacts of programming and facility improvements that can be maintained within the educational settings of many higher income school districts.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  How can there be such a vast difference within the public school system of a country, which claims to provide equal opportunity for all? The equity issue boils down to the rights of students, and the right to a free, accessible, and equal public education for all citizens is an essential directive in the American government. As a result, it is necessary to consider the social issue of under funded education and reflect upon both the causes and the cyclical nature of poverty as they relate to under funding of public schools.