I agree with most of the premise, however, I will say that there is some level of accountability. The problem is that the decision makers on the school board or in the district office hold the wrong people accountable. They often go after the teachers or building administrators for the results of the poor decisions made above them. The public needs to hold school board members more accountable. School board members need to hold district admin more accountable.
Correcting failures in the system does not involve a broad solution. Each individual entity (school district) must determine what issues impact them the most and work to solve those issues. No one has the perfect solution.
If I were to start researching potential solutions for improving academic outcomes in a school district, these are the areas I would focus on, along with additional supporting facts that highlight their importance:
1. Address Educational Funding Inequities
Ensure underfunded school districts receive adequate resources to meet the needs of their students.
In Illinois, districts serving the highest percentages of low-income students receive approximately 22% less state and local funding per student than wealthier districts, according to the Education Law Center.
Many schools operate in unsafe, hazardous conditions with little to no support for effective learning. Funding reforms are critical to create safe, well-equipped environments where students can thrive.
2. Prioritize Teacher Support
Offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain high-quality educators, reducing the risk of teacher shortages.
The Learning Policy Institute reports that districts with higher teacher salaries experience lower turnover rates and attract more qualified applicants, directly improving student outcomes.
Lower student-to-teacher ratios in struggling districts to improve individualized attention.
Shift the narrative to stop blaming public schools and teachers for broader societal issues they cannot control.
3. Focus on Future-Ready Education: CTE and STEM
Eliminate over-reliance on rote memorization and emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM jobs are expected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029, faster than non-STEM jobs, with median wages nearly double the national average.
Expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) and STEM programs to prepare students for evolving industries and global competitiveness.
4. Revamp Early Childhood Education
Adopt models inspired by Asian countries emphasizing discipline, routine, teamwork, and play-based learning in Pre-K through 1st grade.
Countries like Japan and South Korea have some of the highest literacy and math proficiency rates globally, attributed to early emphasis on discipline, structure, and collaborative learning.
Promote multilingual development in the early years.
Encourage self-sustaining classrooms where children take on responsibilities such as helping with daily activities, meal preparation, and cleanup.
5. Invest in Community and Parental Engagement
Foster partnerships between schools, families, and the community to support student success.
Research from the Harvard Family Research Project shows that students with engaged parents are 2.6 times more likely to graduate from high school and attend college.
Create programs that encourage parents to take an active role in their child’s education and school activities.
6. Reform Disciplinary Policies
Revise outdated and ineffective disciplinary practices to focus on restorative approaches that foster accountability and growth rather than punitive, menial consequences.
Schools that implement restorative justice practices have seen a 44% reduction in suspension rates, improving student behavior and school climate.
7. Increase Accountability for Truancy
Implement strategies to hold parents accountable for ensuring regular attendance while addressing underlying barriers to student engagement.
Chronic absenteeism affects nearly 8 million U.S. students annually, with long-term effects on academic achievement and graduation rates. Parent accountability programs in some states have reduced truancy rates by as much as 25%.
8. Reinforce the Value of Public Education
Help society recognize that the U.S. public education system has been a cornerstone of the nation’s rise to global prominence. It has fostered widespread literacy, innovation, and economic growth, creating a workforce and citizenry capable of sustaining democracy and global leadership.
