Education Debates: A Survey of Current and Controversial Educational Issues

Public schools in America face an increasing number of challenges every day. Alongside such problems as lack of funding, student discipline lie other issues, some ideological, some technical, all controversial. This article looks at four of the most topical, school prayers, uniforms, the creationism vs. evolution debate, and whether or not homework is of any significant benefit.

Pros and Cons of Prayer in School

The public school system is rife with differing education issues, ranging from school uniforms to the evolution versus creationism debate. One topic that is at the forefront of school debates is the place of prayer in schools. The United States is a multicultural society that has an immense variety of faiths. Indeed, it would not be hyperbolic to suggest that the United States is home to the greatest number of differing faiths of any country in the world. So, is it acceptable to use the prayers of the predominant religion of a region within the school, with scant regard for minorities?

Though it is a current educational issue, this controversy is not new. In New York, in 1962, the famous Engels v Vitale case ruled that the Establishment Clause was violated by starting the day with a prayer drafted by the officials of the school. It was deemed to place minorities under pressure to adhere to the religious faith imposed on them by the school. This started off a chain reaction of court cases which continues to this day.

The School Uniforms Debate

Another educational debate that has caused divisions is the aforementioned school uniform issue. For some, there is nothing negative about schools making the wearing of a uniform mandatory. For them, it instills a sense of professionalism amongst children, insofar as it may encourage them to take school seriously, treating the uniform in much the same way as their parents treat their work clothes. Another benefit is the perceived decrease in bullying. Children often bicker over who is clad in the finest designer clothing, which sometimes causes violent skirmishes. A uniform can ease these tensions, as now no one can argue over who has the most stylish outfit. Also, school uniforms are usually far cheaper than regular outfits, which alleviates financial pressures suffered by parents.

On the flipside, there are those who claim that requiring uniforms is a negative form of regulation, that suppresses individuality. Forcing such constraints upon students could potentially affect future creativity. Then, you have the difficult students who will not comply with the school rules, causing unnecessary grief for their teachers by altering their uniform, or flat out refusing to wear it.

Evolution vs Creationism in Schools

Near the top of the list in terms of controversial school debates, lies the problem of whether Darwinism or creationism should be taught in public schools. Up until the late 19th Century, creationism was freely taught in virtually every school in the United States. This is the religious belief that the universe and everything in it, was created by supernatural beings. Then, the teaching of evolution took over, though certain states continued with creationism. It famously became a public school matter in Arkansas in 1968. Here, The Supreme Court ruled that making the teaching of evolution illegal in public schools was unconstitutional in Epperson vs. Arkansas. It was henceforth against the law for any state to advance any religion over another. In the 1990s, creation science groups started pressing for equal time to be devoted to the teaching of that topic. Recently, teachers have been encouraged to be skeptical of the theory of evolution. Bills have been introduced that emphasis that evolution is full of internal contradictions. Six states have passed these bills, called 'academic freedom bills.'

The Homework Debate

The final education issue we will look at is whether or not homework is of any practical use. Those in favor of homework believe that it contributes to higher grades, teaches students to focus more, and helps develop a strong work ethic, crucial for success in later life. By concentrating on studies outside of school, the child discovers how to learn on their own. When the time comes for college, they will find that this stands them in good stead. In colleges, the majority of schoolwork takes place outside the classroom, and the students need to show research skills and initiative. By assigning homework continuously, you are preparing them for the next step.

Those against homework in this school debate, believe that a teacher should be able to teach whatever it necessary in the school day. A week in school should resemble a week in the workplace where an employee will clock in and out for their usual eight hour shift, and not have to take their work home with them. Also, spending excessive time on assignments can take the fun out of learning, and make students grow tired of looking at text books for 10 or 11 hours a day. Finally, considering the prohibitive cost of higher education, it is argued that the individual would be better served earning money to save for college, rather than spend it on unnecessary homework.

by Theodoros Rufus

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