Inequality In Public Schools: How Can It Be Stopped?

Inequality in schools especially in public learning institutions does exist. Political scientist and professor Robert D. Putnam said that with everyone recognizing this inequality, there is something that can be done.

In his book "Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis," Putnam discussed that schools may not create inequality but they, in a way, "amplify" the concept. He noted that learning institutions expose kids to inequality where their skills are undermined, as per Yes Magazine.

"Students are victims of inequality, but not only; teachers can and do help students think critically about the sources of inequality," the author stated. He also said that students are now more aware of the existing inequality in schools and have expressed their eagerness to know more about it.

Putnam, as per Yes Magazine, has suggested that analysis of inequality in schools is important to make students see how they can improve the situation. "Analyzing inequality doesn't eliminate it, but study can strip it of its inevitability and can help students see what needs to change and how," he explained.

In an Education Post report, Chemistry teacher Allan Fluharty shared how the quality of education in city, suburban and rural schools differ especially in Ilinois. "There is a vast difference between city, suburban and rural schools in Illinois, in funding and educational outcomes. Most families who can afford it move," he added.

He claimed that those who live in rich communities are given good education while those in impoverished communities do not receive the same quality of teaching. Aside from this harsh reality, Fluharty explained that getting into good schools require a lot of competition and rigid screenings.

According to Yes Magazine, many individuals and groups continue to fight for equality in education like Chicago Teachers Union and the Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association. Some of the resonating calls of these groups include protesting the closure of schools for the poor and the administering of tests that will just waste the time of students to learn.