Public Schools are Akin to the Post Office

On this episode of Breaking the Fourth Wall of Public Education, David and Kevin discuss how chronic absenteeism in public schools has become a significant issue, with at least a third of students across the country considered chronically absent. The problem has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to declining enrollment in public schools. The structure and lack of engagement in the education system, along with the rigid curriculum and lack of flexibility, contribute to chronic absenteeism. Teachers' burnout and disengagement also play a role. Efforts to address chronic absenteeism include improving school culture, providing accessible childcare, and allowing teachers more autonomy and creativity in the classroom. The conversation explores the broken state of the public school system and the issue of chronic absenteeism. It highlights the lack of structure, guidance, and understanding for students, leading to a lack of trust in the system. The conversation emphasizes the need for a complete overhaul of the education system, including changes in teaching methods, curriculum, and evaluation systems. It also discusses the impact of Common Core and the emphasis on inquiry-based learning, which has led to boredom and disengagement among students. The conversation concludes by questioning the goal of education in 2023 and the need to shift from survival to improvement.

Takeaways

• Chronic absenteeism is a significant problem in public schools, with at least a third of students considered chronically absent.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the issue of chronic absenteeism and led to declining enrollment in public schools.
• The structure and lack of engagement in the education system, along with rigid curriculum and lack of flexibility, contribute to chronic absenteeism.
• Teachers' burnout and disengagement, as well as the lack of emotional intelligence and connection with students, also play a role in chronic absenteeism.
• Efforts to address chronic absenteeism include improving school culture, providing accessible childcare, and allowing teachers more autonomy and creativity in the classroom. The public school system is broken, leading to chronic absenteeism and a lack of trust in the system.
• The education system needs a complete overhaul, including changes in teaching methods, curriculum, and evaluation systems.
• The emphasis on inquiry-based learning and Common Core has led to boredom and disengagement among students.
• There is a need to redefine the goal of education in 2023 and shift from survival to improvement.

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