In the past five years, our world has seen many changes, perhaps nowhere as prominent as in the education system in America. As we move through the technology age and recognize the lasting impact of NCLB (No Child Left Behind), the way we teach and the way we learn has radically changed. Reflecting on three educational changes in the past five years, including the Education Affordability Reconciliation Act, can help us understand where our education system is heading.
Technology In The Classroom
Long gone are the days of the chalk board and even the white board. Today’s classrooms are utilizing technology to teach in a much more effective manner. PowerPoint presentations, laptops, eBook readers and more are just a few of the technologies that teachers are implementing in today’s classrooms. This change addresses the need to teach students on their level, utilizing technology that they are excited about and familiar with. It has created a new level of willingness to learn among many students.
Better Grades, Better Pay
How many of today’s parents pay a premium to their children when they bring home good grades? This concept has begun to cross the line in the form of teacher performance pay. Some school districts are moving away from the old concept of pay based on years served to system that relies more on incentive-based pay. Teachers who are going the distance with their students will make more money. This move is designed to attract a higher quality of teachers for students everywhere.
Education Affordability Reconciliation
The government is changing the way they treat education as well. In 2010, an act was passed designed to appropriate funds for the Federal Pell Grant Program and to develop new grants, such as the College Access Challenge Program, for students across the country. Additionally, investment in predominantly black universities and colleges has been increased. The funds are earmarked for low-income minorities and will improve their access to higher education. Education affordability reconciliation will make higher education an affordable proposition for more students than ever before.
These changes have already begun to impact our students and will continue to do so. Parents with school-aged children are encouraged to question their local district to see how technology and incentive pay has been implemented. Students headed for college should work with a financial aid counselor to take full advantage of the changes to the government grant program. What changes have you seen in your school district over the past five years?