Debate Guidelines
Educational Debate Topics
Quick Poll: Are you happy with the education you or your child received from an American Public School?
Quick Poll: Which direction is American Public Education moving?
Quick Poll: Did you feel that the 2008 Presidential Candidates considered education a priority in their campaigns and vision for America?
Quick Poll: Do you think American Public Education needs a complete overhaul, just some modifications or is fine the way it is?
Quick Poll: If you had the choice of the level of American government that would have the most influence over your public school which would it be? (select one)
Quick Poll: How would you rate the overall quality of teaching your public school?
Quick Poll: How would rate the quality of leadership in your public school?
Quick Poll: Do you believe that either you or your child is learning in public school what is needed in order to be productive and engaged citizens in the 21st Century?
Quick Poll: Do you believe that the current school funding formula (primarily property taxes) is fair and equitable for all public schools?
Quick Poll: Do you think all American public schools should spend the same amount on educating a child or should it be left up to the individual school districts?
Quick Poll: Do we spend too much, too little or just the right amount on American Public Education?
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2 comments:
Simple answer to this one: funding and accountability. Fund schools adequately so that students can have access to current technologies. Eliminate mandates that only focus on Reading, Writing, and Math(i.e. standardized tests). Our children deserve an enriching and well-rounded education that includes art, music, p.e., science, history, community service projects, field trips, and yes, reading, writing, and math. If I can go back to funding, do you know that the average school district spends hundreds or thousands to millions of dollars on standardized tests(both paper and computerized versions). They also spend about tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars on paper and photocopying costs for teachers to make worksheets, and more worksheets, and more worksheets. Last, they spend around $150 per book, per subject, per student, every few years so that every student can have access to an outdated textbook in all subject areas.
Well, do you also know that assessment can be and should be created and administered by the experts: teachers. As far as worksheets and textbooks, these are tools of the past and should be left there. Today's world and the world of the future offers endless access to information via an invention called the computer and the internet. The cost of a laptop for a single student is $250 and as long as their are updates, the computer can give students access to up-to-date information in all subject areas for as many years as the internet is still accessible by the laptop computer(which with certain agreement with computer and internet companies could be a long, long time.) Now, think of all the wasted money school districts would save if they stopped purchasing textbooks, tests, and printing worksheets, and instead provided each student with a speedy, internet friendly computer, and each school with a fast broadband connection that had wireless capabilities. If teachers had to teach at the front of the room, they can ditch the chalkboard and even the stale whiteboards, and instead utilize interactive whiteboards that can be interacted with by touch or through teacher and student computers. Students should also have access to digital cameras, cellphones, pdas, etc. and taught how to use the technologies responsibly and effectively to conduct research, communicate with other students in their school, country, and around the world.
Our children's future and the future of this country depends on their ability to communicate in not just a United States, but also a United World. Chalkboards, worksheets, and textbooks can't do that. Access to the internet can.
As far as accountability, we need to hold teachers very accountable, but parents just as accountable. Teachers should make a fair salary and exceptional teachers should make more. However, bad teachers should not be allowed to be teaching anymore. If we pay them $60,000 if they have a master's degree, just like we do for engineers, journalists, weather"men"(who holds them accountable?), etc., and eliminate state retirement programs and have teachers be responsible for their own retirement, then most of the bad teachers will leave right away because they have no reason(no more vested retirement) to stay. This opens up many spots for great teachers with wonderful ideas, passion, and a drive for change, and eliminates a negative environment of sarcasm and regret that has remained stagnant in our schools for far too long.
Parents should not get off easy anymore. If their child is not prepared for school, does that mean that we as a community are o.k. with shelling out millions of dollars to help them catch up even though, without the support of their family, they won't. We need to change how school is run, but we also need to provide assistance and accountability for parents that could use a class in responsibility and parenting. I don't mean to sound arrogant, but when I have students whose dad's are in prison and mom's are on drugs, what chance do these kids really have, even with a great teacher? We need to be willing as a society to help those that need help, and hold them accountable to improve their lives and the lives of their children throughout the rehab or recovery process. Children learn all the time, but they only are interested in learning when they are fed, provided with adequate shelter, and know that someone close to them values, respects, and loves them. A teacher can give 150% every day to every student he/she has, but in the end, it will only have a 10% impact on the student. The choices a parent makes and the attention he/she gives to his/her children has a 90% impact on who that child becomes and what kind of future they are able to have. In short, teachers and parents need to work together, not against each other, and teachers and parents both need to be held to a high standard, for the children: our future, are too valuable for us to be lenient in the presence of poor teaching or parenting practices.
So, how do we ensure students are prepared for the 21st century? We give them the tools, the know-how, and the practice of engaging others in conversation, collaboration, and implementation to accomplish common goals, all while learning and applying basic skills, learning about different peoples and cultures, preparing students to achieve their own personal goals, and ultimately the goals our forefathers set for this nation: That we are all equal and deserving of equal opportunities in our lives, despite the cards we were dealt(if we are willing to work hard to achieve our goals and give back to our communities and fellow citizens who each had at least a small part in our own success.)
If America will truly live out it's creed and truly be a democracy where the people decide what happens, not wealthy or corrupt individuals, then our children must be informed, educated, and thoughtful citizens, and the only way they will become that way is if we teach them, if we love them, and if we value them as priceless and worthy of our time, our money, and our sacrifices.
Establishing national curriculum and standards- based on PISA benchmarks
Provide training that focuses on ensuring teachers develop global perspective. In order to teach kids more about our increasingly interconnected world our educators must be supported to expand their knowledge and apprciation for cultures and countries different from ours.
Implement national initiative to wire all schools and provide laps tops for all students- fasted way for teachers/students to begin connecting with the world beyond our local, state and national borders.
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