Guest User 11/4/21 Guest User 11/4/21

The Need for Change in Education

Education. It’s costly, it is grossly underfunded, and there are inconsistencies and inequalities within the system. As much as we try to move forward and improve education, it feels like the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Education. It’s costly, it is grossly underfunded, and there are inconsistencies and inequalities within the system. As much as we try to move forward and improve education, it almost feels like the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Let’s begin with the cost of education. Most of us know the burden of student loans, and the strain we go through to apply for financial aid, scholarships, grants, etc. We do all of this work knowing that a huge debt is looming in the background as we enjoy our college years. How can we fully focus on the experience when we know the harsh reality waiting on the other side of graduation?

With other great career options available through trade school or even through social media influencing, more and more students are turning away from furthering their education in a University setting or other school system. Everyone should have the opportunity and accessibility to pursue their passion, no matter the field of interest.

Funding Public K-12 Education in America

The Century Foundation (TCF) published a study led by school finance expert Bruce Baker in 2020 that examined funding gaps in the U.S. public school system. According to this study, the U.S. is underfunding public schools by nearly $150 billion annually. This limits the amount of resources needed in each classroom, which then hinders student success. We cannot keep underinvesting in future generations.

The U.S. is underfunding public schools by nearly $150 billion annually.

This inequality in funding came from budget cuts that followed the Recession in 2007, leading about half of the U.S. states to spend less on education, creating funding gaps. This hit lower-income communities (mainly in the southeast and southwest states) harder than most, causing a ton of teacher layoffs, increased class sizes, and a reduction in school programs.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I could do my best work in an overpopulated classroom with no opportunity for one-on-one time with the teacher to help me grasp a topic I have been struggling to understand.

Inconsistency & Inequality

When lower-income communities are underfunded, this gives students in middle- to upper-class neighborhoods a better chance to reach graduation. This is incredibly unfair to millions - yes, millions - of students across the country. Your background and your home life should not determine your path.

Schools with less than 50% minority enrollment are less likely to have funding gaps, while other schools are twice as likely to have a funding gap if more than half of their students are Black or Latinx. What can be done to decrease funding gaps all over? What is it going to take to convince local governments to provide the support these schools and students need?

A New Tomorrow

At Leaped, we want everyone to have access to the subjects they are interested in without worrying about the debt that lies ahead. Pursuing your education and what you are passionate about should not be unattainable. Leaped will build communities of like-minded people who care about helping each other succeed, and it will happen without you having to dump thousands of dollars into the process.

This platform will offer education on a variety of topics from all types of educators, so that you have a plethora of options to choose from. It will require communication and engagement, so that students are getting the most out of their time learning. It will offer flexibility so that you can teach or learn on a schedule that works for you.

Most importantly, Leaped is a platform that will give educators the support they need and deserve, while giving students a place to learn without financial worry.