THE COLLAPSE OF EDUCATION: THE IMPACT ON MINORITIES

The educational system is designed to be a platform for students to acquire knowledge and skills that will enable them to achieve their career aspirations and become productive members of society. However, the current state of education with teacher shortages, student behaviors, lack of parent involvement, teacher strikes, low pay, and continuous heavy workloads is making it is harder to create a conducive learning environment for teachers and students. The collapse of education is a serious issue that affects many communities, but in this blog post, we will explore particularly how the downfall of the school system will impact minorities.

Minorities and schools associated with minorities in the Unites States have always been disproportionately allotted, whether its by funding, resources, or experienced teachers. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2018, only 65% of Black students graduated from high school within four years, compared to 88% of White students. Additionally, only 21% of Black students and 22% of Hispanic students scored proficient in eighth-grade math, compared to 50% of White students. These disparities are alarming and have far-reaching consequences for the future of these communities.

These changes in education can have a significant impact on minorities, who already face systemic barriers to accessing quality education. Here are a few ways in which the collapse of education could impact minorities:

• Limited Access to Educational Resources: With the collapse of education, schools may be forced to close or reduce their resources, which can have a significant impact on the quality of education that minorities receive. Minorities may be disproportionately affected by such cuts, as they may not have access to the same resources as other students. This can lead to a further widening of the achievement gap between minority and non-minority students.

• Decreased Opportunities: Education is often seen as a pathway to success and a way to break the cycle of poverty. With the changes in education, minorities may have limited opportunities to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s economy. Minorities, unlike most of their counterparts lack access to outside tutoring services, private schools, or households that encourage independent learning, so lack of adequate public schooling, minorities of further impacted. This can lead to a further marginalization of minority communities, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and reducing opportunities for social mobility.

• Increased Inequality: The lack of public institutions can exacerbate existing inequalities between different groups of people. Minorities may already face significant barriers to accessing quality education, and the collapse of education could further widen these gaps. This can lead to a situation where minorities have limited opportunities for upward mobility, while non-minority students are able to take advantage of the opportunities provided by a quality education.

• Reduced Social Cohesion: Education is not only important for individual success, but also for building social cohesion and a sense of community. With the collapse of education, minorities may be further isolated from the rest of society, which can lead to increased tensions and a breakdown in social cohesion.

All of these factors can contribute to an achievement gap between minority and non-minority students, leading to lower graduation rates, decreased access to higher education, and reduced opportunities in the job market. The current state of education is a sad one. It is important to address these issues in education, by voting on education bills, being more involved, and supporting teachers fighting for better working conditions.