Issues & Changes in Public School Education

Public school education may be on the verge of more revolutionary change than has occurred during the history of its existence. It may even face modification, or a move away from the mandate to provide common public education for all students. This is a critical time for the American educational system. There are a number of important issues that need to be explored and reflected upon before decisions are made that impact both staff and students, as well as the community as a whole. The issues at the top of the list include: (1) the role of technology, (2) the possibility of the extended use vouchers and increased use of private schools,(3) the funding problems that public schools face as taxpayers rebel against fully funding services, and (4) the demand for effectiveness. Each of these has a major impact on the management of human resources. In general, the issues facing public education mean that schools, and teachers, will be held more accountable by communities to ensure that students score high on quantitative outcome measures. This seems to be the focus of the rebellion. Parents and communities are demanding that students score high on standardized tests, learn the basics, and prove that they are able to perform. This is the impetus for charter schools, the use of vouchers, and increased adoption of technology in education. There is a demand for increased quality in education, although not the will to pay much more for it.

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ystem be integrated so that student performance is measured in such a way that teachers receive feedback about how effectively they have been communicating either facts or concepts to those students. The second step in the process is to assist teachers in improving their practice by connecting the performance appraisal process to the staff development process so that teachers can make use of the information in a positive way. Technology Stott (1995) provided one example of the uses of technology in the school system. For him, technology allows schools to gain an edge in their recruitment of teachers, because they are able to do good record-keeping and follow-up. Computerization helps to match qualified candidates with school district needs, and locates those candidates who have the best skills. Even more important are the ways in which computers can contribute to teaching itself, curriculum development, and assessment. Duit and Confrey (1996) noted that the implications of introducing computer technology into the curriculum are extensive. Computers can be used for individualized learning, for simulations, for problem-solving, for creating displays and models, and other things. However, the computer technology is only as ef

Category: Psychology - I