Introduction
For any nation to prosper there is the need to prioritize the education sector. This calls for quality and adherence to standards to ensure that the results of the education system are beneficial to the growth and development of any nation. With this focus in mind, there should be sufficient corporation of all stakeholders in the different sectors to ensure success and quality services in the education system. In this case, the National Commission on Excellence in education established in 1981 was deliberated the task of reviewing the quality of the education system in America. The commission came up with different findings and stipulated various recommendations. In regard to this paper, a summary of the report on “a nation at risk of 1983” will be highlighted alongside the impacts of the report on the educational system to date (Stedman, 1983).
Main body
Specifically, the commission was mandated with outlining the educational problems in America and providing solutions for the problems, not scapegoats. First, the commission was to assess the quality of learning and teaching in all learning institutions. Secondly, to make a comparison between American schools with those of other developed nations. Other tasks of the commission included identifying programs that can lead to success, accessing the impact of social and educational changes on students’ success. Finally, the commission was also mandated with, reviewing potential problems which may hinder success and indentify the relationship between admission in colleges and high school students’ achievements (Stedman, 1983).
Importantly, it was noted that the nation was at great risk since competitors throughout the world had overtaken their preeminence in commerce, science, technology, and industry. From the report, it is evident that the American educational foundations were gradually being eroded by strong tides of mediocrity. Worse still, the achievement identify the educational systems were being suppressed with the new generations thus putting the future at great risk. It was also realized that foreign powers had imposed mediocre educational performance in America thus negatively affecting educational Excellency. It was also depicted that the society, in general, had lost the focus on the objectives and goals of education this leading to poor standards in education (Stedman, 1983).
The report outlined that, there was an urgent need to reach a common understanding at a national level. This was only to be achieved through an improved education system. From another perspective, education for all was also advocated for; whereby race, economic status was not supposed to hinder fairness in the provision of education. In this aspect, all the children of the state were entitled to quality education which would help them secure good employment and live decently (Stedman, 1983).
From the report it was identified that the nation was at risk; this is due to the various findings of the commission. First, comparisons made with international schools showed that the American students were dragging behind. Secondly, a total number of more than 23 million adults were found to be functionally illiterate. Also, a large percentage of people of the age of 17 years were found to be functionally illiterate. Importantly, the commission found that the achievements of high school students were below standard. Generally, the quality of education in America was found to be very disappointing, thus calling for urgent measures (Stedman, 1983).
Several recommendations were outlined which were aimed at solving the current crisis. On the issue of content, graduates from high school were required to master 3 years of math, social studies, and science, 4 of English, alongside six months in computer. It was also recommended that schools should adopt thorough and measurable principles. On the aspect of time, it was outlined that 7 hrs a day and 220 days a year should be considered for learning. Additionally, the need for better training for teachers and salaries was also advocated for. Finally, the report highlighted that the citizens should be keen to ensure that education official is accountable and responsible in their work (Stedman, 1983).
The recommendations outlined by the commission have led to great heights in the education status in America. It was really a country in jeopardy, but after the government’s concern and intervention in the educational crisis through adherence to the report; major positive changes have been realized. The quality of education has greatly improved due to the focus on the key areas of education. Basically, the content and efficiency of teachers have been reinstated. The concept of stipulating the number of learning hours of the day and days of the year has been a great achievement. It should also be realized that the education officials are more responsible and accountable in their job thus leading to quality education (Stedman, 1983).
On the contrary, the report has not been effectively administered; whereby various challenges have crossed their way. For instance, the issue of stimulating learning time has not been effectively adhered to; where in this case different charter schools are have altered the time framework. This has been a great hindrance to the achievement of set goals. In addition, the issue of leadership and integrity in learning institutions has not taken its course. This is due to a lack of homogeneity in the mode of action by the governors (Stedman, 1983).
Conclusion
The educational report about a nation at risk has given viable insights to the American people and the government in particular about the issue in the education sector. For sustainable excellence to be realized in the education system in the country, the government should incorporate the recommendations of the report as well as any viable ideas from the different stakeholders to ensure the provision of quality education.
Reference list
Stedman, J. (1983). Summary of “A nation at risk,” the report of the National Commission on Excellence in Education. Washing, D.C.: Congressional research service press.