Public education » Public education

Coming Up Empty In Education Reform

admin — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 09:35:25 +0000

The recent forays into public education reform from the No Child Left Behind Act, the Core Curriculum mandate, and standardize tests have all placed public education on notice that once again our policy decision makers have continued their assault on education. All they have done has resulted in a educational system that continues to fail our youth. From the mainstream Republican stance of what they have done in issuing these mandates they literally shoved down the public’s throats misguided attempts at education reform. This is nothing more than political expediency. What has been occurring with all these mandates is a continuation of glossing over the real underlying problems facing education in this country. If education was run like a business there would be far more accountability and structure in our public schools today. But, like everything else our most stupendous governmental officials have done is thrown tax dollars down the toilet. Meanwhile our youth are far worse off today in educational standards compared to the rest of the world.

Someone once said just recently that teachers alone cannot change conditions in our schools. The only way to gain back the supremacy we had in educational standards that prevailed in the 1950′s and early 1960′s will take nothing short of a revolution. When we take a good hard look at the landscape of America today we find that the US is indeed fractured. In one hand we have the wealthiest few who control the all too powerful politicians, Those self serving bureaucrats continue to overlook the obvious distress that the majority of Americas are wallowing in. Then there is the majority of the population, those multitudes wallowing in desperation hoping that somehow someday soon things will get better. Meanwhile our youth, the future generations of Americans continue to suffer the consequences of failed educational mandates and initiatives by a political system that by its own nature fails to grasp what really is needed to reverse the effects of years of meddling in educational policies that worked for decades prior to the late 1960′s.

The one key component in education reform where students in all grade levels are able to succeed is always overlooked by our illustrious bureaucrats. When we really take a close look into America today we find their are so many children just like Bob and Jane Smith. Brother and sister both are sixth graders at Roosevelt Elementary. Typical children, but what their teachers didn’t know until latter their parents lost their home when Mr. Smith got laid off and the bank foreclosed. For over a year the Smiths have had to live in a two bedroom apartment in a not so nice area. And, with only one income, a minimum wage job at Walmart many a night Bob and Jane don’t get enough to eat let alone the proper vitamins and nutrition they both need during the day. When we really stop to think what is actually occurring all across the country today it is unconscionable to think that over one third of the countries school age children are literally starving. The fact of the matter is nutrition really does play the most vital role in a child’s growth and development. But, what is so disconcerting is the fact that those policy makers fail to take into account that food, nutrition, vitamins and minerals are essential for not only physical development and health but are necessary for mental growth and mental health in every human being.

When schools today are judged solely on test scores the prevailing contention is that poverty should never be an excuse for poor academic achievement still remains the stance of policy makers. And, as long as test scores are at par our policy makers continue to be unconcerned if the pantries are bare, the parents jobless or worse yet in jail and the gap between the rich and poor is more appalling than it’s been since 1929. We now have a whole society of mounting inequality, where the wealthiest few totally ignore, are too blind to see and just plain oblivious to the harsh reality facing countless millions of children each and every day.

Food insecurity of our nations youth continues to undermine this nations ability to compete in an ever increasing global economy. But, it is not the only factor the has diminished this nations education prominence. When the Common Core Curriculum was implemented in so many states it dismantled many of the founding building blocks in elementary and secondary education that stood as the standard for over 100 years. This, regardless of all the new technology integrated into school systems still will have an adverse effect on generations of our youth. Take for example cursive writing. It is now obsolete in the minds of so many school boards. Their rational is why spend time learning penmanship where today all you need is a computer keyboard. The time spent on penmanship now can be used for more useful subjects that are more relevant to today. As many of us remember it was a right of passage for generations learning how to write. Signing your name is just one of the most useful tools we use today as adults.

This is only the tip of the iceberg in education reform that is already taking it’s toll on our nations youth. When one walks into any public school in Anytown USA many a baby boomer is quite shocked to see what is actually going on in our schools. All one has to do is read the latest paper to find that another school age student was bullied actually to death. Never before has this country been inundated with so many social crisis that allows public schools to be a haven for so much bulling. A moral crisis has taken over in so many parts of the country. It really does underscore that our public education reforms for the past twenty years and counting has only systematically rendered our public school system at the bottom of the heap in regards to other developed countries around the world.

In education especially for elementary and secondary age youth it is vital that physical education be as important as math or science. A prime example is a private school in the state of New York that mandates the first 3 hours of every day to rigorous physical activity. In doing so these students, every one of them has excelled exceptionally in core curriculum studies such as science and math. The benefits of physical exercise whether it is competitive sports or not clearly shows a vast improvement in academics. To have school systems retard or eliminate all together physical education clearly puts our nations youth not only at health risks but undermines our nations future stability and security. Many a time it is budgetary constraints that play an external factor in the elimination of Physical Ed. But, the reality is the hard cold fact that our nations youth obesity rates are among the highest in the world and consequently all the health risks related to our obesity rates do cost a hell of allot more than if we mandated Physical Ed. to begin with.

With the advent of so much technology especially the hand held personal computer has really taken it’s tool on the way our youth today are being educated. Gone in so many elementary schools across the country are the days when students were required stand at the old chalk board and work out math or other subject problems. Where the interaction of fellow students and teachers was actually encouraged. What we are witnessing today is the only interaction occurring is on a very interpersonal one. One can understand the importance of self confidence when students first over come the fear of standing in front of their contemporaries by trying to solve a problem at the chalkboard. That is not the case any longer.

Today, too many of our youth are being classified with ADT otherwise known a Attention Deficit Disorder. Probable cause, diet, genetics, and many consider their environment also contributes to its cause. What ever the cause too many of our youth are all lumped into this category and too many are prescribed prescription drugs like Ritalin. These drugs do nothing to cure or direct that hyperactivity into positive constructive endeavors. From a personal point of view took place over fifty five years ago when my father took control and put me on a path that transformed my life. Back in the Fifties ADT wasn’t a known diagnosis all my father knew I was a very hyper active kid, always getting into trouble. Sometimes I get caught and boy that was when corporal punishment came with a hard spank on the bottom. But, most time I managed to escape unscathed. My parents knew I was the fastest kid on the block. Nobody could catch me. It was one afternoon thought that changed all that when my father came home from work. That one afternoon while watching cartoons on our small TV was when my father pulled me aside and said “I have a present for us.” He then proceeded to hand me a small wrapped box. After tearing open the box to my dismay was a small stop watch. It was from that moment on I knew my life was going in a new direction. From that afternoon on my father took me to the old high school track field where I was coached running 440′s, half miles, and the mile. At first I loathed going but the gradual success at track and cross-country I not only succeeded in school but got into a major university.

A life long pursuit of fitness and a desire to succeed resulted because of my fathers influence, help and encouragement. Today most of our youth aren’t as fortunate as I was. It is a sad commentary for our times that too many elementary age children come from single parent homes. A whole spectrum of factors are involved now that weren’t back in the 1950′s. What is happening today there really is a sense of foreboding tension, a silent force that is ripping across our moral fiber, a sagging truth of unprecedented demise of morality, liberty, and justice. The world we once new in our youth is no more. We now are faced with the consequences of our actions and of our inactions of what we have done in the name of social liberalization in public education all across the country.

There is another factor in what has happened in our school systems over the years. It was on a recent visit to one of Tampa Bay’s public schools just to see first hand what it is like to be a student today. First impressions they say are worth a thousand words. Well, in this case that first impression I was totally unprepared for what my eyes were actually seeing. Gaining entry was no small task. Nowadays one has to press a buzzer and state name and reason for your visit. It would help to call before hand to make things go allot smoother. Fortunately, this visit upon entering there were no metal detectors that from my understanding are the norm in so many other schools all through-out the country. Now, as I approach the main hallway being escorted by a teacher or teachers aid through the maze of scantly clad young girls and droopy baggy panted boys cell phones a buzzing I couldn’t tell the difference between the students or my escort they all dressed very sloppily. It is a known fact that today over 40% of students do themselves a very huge disservice by cheating on their exams when they have access to personal cell phones in class. If they do it in secondary or even in elementary levels just think of the percentage of students that cheat in college. A very disturbing fact that has a very disastrous effect in business and our whole economy suffers because of it.

Finally made it to the main office where on a small table in the corner were a stack of papers outlining necessary items each student was supposed to have in their possession. Stuffed into every bodies backpack were items such as a calculator. Oh, that really amazes me. So much for the arithmetic tables one is supposed to memorize. Next comes the hand sanitizer for our disease conscious society. Heaven forbid we forget to use soap and water. Maybe with all the budget cuts especially in our public schools soap is a luxury that now is unaffordable. With all the backpacks packed with those so-called essentials as well as the actual course books I have a feeling that this generation is going to have an awful lot of back problems as they get older. Maybe, because again of all the cut backs in the one program that will help more than any others is physical education. Now, one of the first programs to go under the ax when budgets are trimmed. As in so many instances today. One of the most disturbing trends today in our public schools there really are too many administrators. But, we got to cut physical education, arts, music appreciation and all the other so called no essential programs that would otherwise contribute to an overall educational experience.

Now, when one steps into a school it is more apparent than ever when we walk away with the realization that somehow our own society itself is to blame for this nations failings in public education. Silly me, to want our youth to have more respect for themselves as well as others. Two of the four principals this nation was built upon Education and Morality both go hand in hand. The morality today, well there practically isn’t any. Sure there are remnants where the morality of generations past hold true but, for the most part is sadly lacking by the majority of students in practically every public school system in the country.

The decorum that is displayed by so many sets the tone for failing or not. Amoral societies too often fall where as a society who embraces and practices basic moral values rises and flourishes. Maybe, with all the political rhetoric about creating another great society we would really look at why our society’s moral values have all but disappeared. This is where and why our school systems have to reform and reestablish codes of etiquette and dress in every school. This would go a long way in bringing back moral values in our youth as well as the professionalism that our teachers must display.

When we look at other top flight educational systems through-out the world like Japan and Sweden professionalism and morality displayed keep those countries on the cutting edge of education and consequently their whole economy flourishes as a result. Just look at the period from 1952 – 1968. The United States economy reached heights never before or since attained. When morality along with education improve so does any economy. That is how to rebuild our nation.

Not only has our whole educational system been reprogrammed to do more harm than good our youth today are being continually subjected to the cultural stimulus that have had profound effects not positively mind you but have basically encouraged more of a amoral culture. The continuing escalation of youth violence whether it involves gangs, other issues that could stem from the lack of parental influence, or just the way our society has changed in the last few decades all have influenced a generation of youth and their interpretation of the freedom of speech. The United States Constitution guarantees Freedom of Speech. This right comes with a responsibility. What we say does have a direct affect on the actions of others. A case in point; The Federal Communications Standard for appropriate expression on TV, radio, recordings, Magazines etc. Now studies and statistics show that there is a direct correlation with the escalation of youth violence with the relaxing of acceptable standards by public forms of communication.

Our youth are very impressionable and are not fully capable mentally of handling the responsibility of today’s freedom of expression. A good example is noted in the book ” Lord of the Flies.” Education is the best approach but along with education has to come with it’s own natural maturity that comes through the aging process from infancy through young adult. Each phase of aging comes with it’s own physical, mental, and emotional progressions. If we skip from adolescence to young adult with-out going through the natural aging progressions these individuals will not be equipped in all aspects to handle the responsibilities that are imposed on the life cycle they are thrust into.

The youth of today are continually being exposed to ideas, situations, and material items they are not yet equipped mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially to effectively uses. This causes great harm not only to themselves but to society as well. What needs to be done is to reestablish the standards of conduct and speech that were enforced back in the middle of the 20th century. The rebuilding of ethical standards is essential for the continuation of our society. What happens when a society reverts to rampant disregard for themselves and others is a destruction of freedom everywhere.

When we talk of education reform we do have a responsibility to our youth to entrust in them the ideals and principals along with the moral ethics that were the basis on which our whole society was founded on over 200 years ago. Integrated with the technology coinciding with a lifestyle that encourages a passion for the arts, athletics, and academics is essential for a balanced society to flourish and prosper. That is education reform. To accomplish this it takes a whole conceptual approach. From financial security we come away with food security, With food security of our nations youth equals more economic opportunity for our future. And, the only way to achieve this is through passage and implementation of National Economic Reforms Ten Articles of Confederation.

National Economic Reform’s: Education Reform

admin — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 07:25:06 +0000

The American educational experience from the late 1960′s through today has been a total disaster. Instead of securing our place in educational standards when the educational experience of the post World War II period up till around 1970 we have succumbed to the lowest common denominator. In the mid 1960′s is where the United States was ranked first in Math and Science of all the industrialized nations; a far cry from the realities of education in America today. We have failed generations of our youth. Today, the United States has yet to climb back even into the top 25 of countries around the world. Over the past 40 years through policies, laws, and Supreme Court decisions that were supposed to improve education have done the exact opposite. A lesson in futility sort of speaking has undermined the ability of Americas to compete in the global economic community. Sure, there have been bright spots here and there but the overall educational experience in the United States from elementary through secondary we have continued to loose sight of the aspects that what made American educational the success it was 50 years ago.

According to a recent study by the Department of Education and the National Institute of literacy over 35 million adults in the United States can’t read. You would have thought that by 2015 all adult US citizens would be proficient enough to be able to read basic English. But sadly 15% of the population can’t. When over 22% of our nations high school graduates aren’t able to read past the 5th grade level only emphases that our educational system is still a failure. In fact our current literacy rate has actually gotten worse during this last decade. It is no wonder that our nations economic security and the ability to actively participate in civic life has steadily declined. The link between academic failure, delinquency, violence and crime is directly related to reading failure. The stats are astounding for about 90% of all juveniles who interface with the juvenile court system are really functionally illiterate. Not to mention over 80% of inmates in our prisons cannot read beyond the third grade level.

Today, there are so many factors that detract ones ability to secure quality in attaining a good education. One of the biggest concerns today is the fact that there are so many single parents trying to raise a child or in many cases children. Considering the fact of the cost of living today where it is a very difficult task to say the least just to feed and cloth our children. The economics of today plays a vital role in the quality of ones educational experience. The many needless teenage pregnancies also continues to thwart ones ability to attain the education needed to keep oneself out of poverty. Most of the parents of today are also part of the generations of youth that were deprived of the opportunity to have the benefits of America’s educational experience of their farther’s. In essence what made public education as the meaningful and rewarding experience that the youth of the baby boomers had is no longer available.

We always have to remember that when a child is born the parent or parents has a major responsibility in nurturing their newborn towards creating a lifelong thirst for knowledge. Young minds and especially infant ones are like sponges. They absorb everything. The best way to start to create that life long pursuit begins the sooner the parent gets involved. Their are many of factors that have placed major obstacles in infants and preschool age children’s way to acquire the attitude, ability, and attributes in creating that life long desire for education.

The United States educational systems really have failed the youth of this country. Through supreme court decisions, the relaxing of standards in school systems, and the general Dr. Spock attitude that prevailed from the late 1960′s to today have under minded the educational process. Compounding this now is the employment opportunities, or in many cases the lack of all have contributed to the lack of proper funding for education in all levels. Where stagnant wages have kept the tax base from meeting their obligations to fund the necessary mandates that contribute immensely for keeping available the educational and recreational opportunities available for our youth. All of these contribute to the fact that so many of our youth are denied the opportunity and be able to take part in attaining a well rounded education. The major question now is; how to prepare our youth for the jobs of the 21st. century while regaining our stature in education among the global community?

In order to answer that question we have to start at what worked from the end of World War II to 1970. From that period the United States was a pillar for educational standards. Our High Schools were creating students that excelled to the top of the world in math and science. Today our students are not even in the top 15% What has happened? First and foremost, the basic foundation for laying that groundwork for our youth is embedded in the family unit. The slow methodic disintegration of that family unit over the last 35 years has an enormous impact with the troubles our youth are having today. The majority of youth today are being raised by a single parent. Studies have now proven that when children are raised by a single parent compared to children raised by both mother and father the majority of youth who are raised by both parents performed better in school.

Second: Back in the 1950′s and 1960′s the United States was economically sound with a stable and growing middle class. Their was more deposable income for family’s to use. The tax base was sufficient to provide all the services that promoted well rounded educational systems. The youth of that generation were provided with every available opportunity to participate in all manner of extra- curricular activities whether it was Athletics, Arts, or Music. Not only that; the education they received actually prepared the students with the ability to succeed in what ever employment opportunities they got.

Third: Students form elementary through high school have basically the morality of their parents. When compared with what was deemed appropriate behavior, dress and speech to today says allot about the basic decline of proper etiquette, manners, and our youth’s ability to comprehend values that were instilled in the youth of the 1950′s and the early 1960′s. Not to say the majority of youth of that generation behaved like angles but they were better prepared for life outside of school than today.

Fourth: Whether it is in elementary or secondary public school systems now incorporate the intermixing of special needs students in classrooms. In most cases those students with more sever handicaps receive more attention than other students. Were not saying that special needs students shouldn’t have access to regular school settings where they can enjoy the interaction of other fellow students. What should take place though is that these students would be more suited to be in a separate class room environment. but at the same schools. In other words the more severity of the handicap of a student warrants those to be placed in a learning environment conducive to their own ability to learn. This is where teachers who are specially trained will be able to really practice their trade and have the tools available to do that without disrupting other students who are now in the same classrooms.

Fifth: With so much attention focused on those standardized tests that are now the rule of thumb sort of speaking in evaluating a students level of achievement in education and what many legislatures are now poised to use as a way of equating those results as a base for compensation for teachers is another indication of how misguided government has become. In trying to come up with a workable plan where state, county and city budgets are at all time lows these attempts by legislatures to use standardized tests as the basis on which a student is excelling is grounded in very false assumptions. There again, we have to remind ourselves that each student has their own pace of learning, is a unique individual, and has an innate ability to express a talent whether it is in the arts. or music or sports. The best approach in evaluating any student today is going back to what worked in education some 50 years ago. That is one where the grades they earn all through-out the school year is the real indication of a students proficiency. From homework assignments to regular weekly tests that show a degree of proficiency in subject matter. Sure, standardized tests do play a role in education and do show a certain level of achievement. They also prepare one for the harsh reality of when they enter college. But, to use one or two of these national standardized tests as the only basis of a students proficiency is a big mistake. A more prudent approach would be more like the Swedish in how they consider education and the teachers who are revered and paid accordingly. Using ones tests scores for the level of compensation a teacher receives opens doors of opportunity for more corruption within the school system.

Through-out history there have been countless cowardly acts, atrocities, and horrific suffering of children from all over the world. In practically every nation the youth are the ones that suffer the most due to man’s callous and blatant disregard for their well being. It is no more apparent than what is happening today with the United States Public School Systems. The conditions within public schools has deteriorated to the point that the future of the United States is in very grave jeopardy. In each major city as well as the majority of smaller cities and towns the very structure of our school buildings have become so decayed that the physical safety of children is now threatened. We have let the infrastructure, maintenance, and upkeep of our school buildings fall victim to budget constraints. Another blatant disregard for safety of our youth. When monetary concerns take precedents over health and safety it is our children that suffer the consequences.

With the current deteriorating economic conditions in the United States budgetary concerns continue to mount overshadowing the many concerns toward the children who are attending public schools. This nation cannot tolerate any longer the injustices that our society is imposing on our youth, especially the way our public school system has collapsed. When the United States was at the pinnacle of elementary and secondary education in the 1960′s we have managed to slide from being number one in education of Math and Science to now the United States educational systems are rated among the worst of all industrialized nations. A slide that is so apparent in our society today when the majority of school age children cannot pass routine performance review tests. {like reading and basic math} Other disturbing factors are the growing number of teenage pregnancies, the persistently growing number of high school youth not finishing high school and the increasing rates of obesity from elementary all the way through high school all play a significant role in the way our public schools are failing today’s youth.

Compounding the continuing educational crisis this country is in is the fact the our governmental policies from local through Federal levels have only exasperated the ongoing catastrophe that has befallen the public school systems. We know the many reasons why our youth are continuing to be denied the educational experiences like that of their grandfathers; but do we have a collective resolve to restore the public school system to the point that will enable every child in America a safe, academically sound and healthy school environment?

To ensure that our public school systems all across America the policies of government starting with the Federal level have to include the many programs that will enable the American public to reduce the highest unemployment rates since the Great Depression of the 1930′s. It has been done before. Lessons of history still prove invaluable to overcome the many obstacles and crisis of today. To attain a 4% or less national unemployment rate with those employed earning real living wages is paramount in securing the funding that is so crucial for every city and towns public school system. It can and must be accomplished. Our future depends on the actions undertaken now.

Curriculums must now conform to the technology of today with the increased emphasis of health and healthy lifestyles that promote illness prevention. There again using lessons of history will reshape the culture of our youth. Once incorporated into each school system the structure, the discipline, and a curriculum relevant to today’s challenges will enable every child from elementary through high school be able to achieve the ability and have the availability to succeed in whatever profession they choose.

Specifically our society must come to understand that all children are unique, learn at different rates, and all have different capabilities. What has transpired in the last 30 years or so is that our public school have lumped practically every child into the same category or classroom. Which is not fair to say the least. What worked for generations prior to the so call education revolution that started in 1970 threw away the structure that prevailed that enabled our public schools to excel. What has happened as a direct result of the new policies from 1970 through today is an exact opposite of the results that were originally intended.

With today’s social culture it is more apparent that our public school systems realize that unless a revamping of old school norms with incorporating the technologies of today is most necessary to ensure that our youth can achieve their dream. Today’s educators must be able to asses every child and direct each child toward a constructive positive outlet for their individuality. A prime example: A child is originally diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder their has to be a reassessment of that child to find out what they excel at. It may be he is a fast runner or a budding artist. It is now up to the educator to direct this child to those areas that have the greatest potential for development. The present way in dealing with these types of disorders is through medical means which does the child more harm than good for their future development. This also lets the educators become more dependent on medicine and not really focusing on giving that pupil a authentic opportunity to reach their full potential.

Not only is there an overwhelming need to focus attention and reform our elementary and secondary educational structure there is a crucial and ever apparent need to focus attention of higher learning. For students who go on to college the availability and quality they also have also succumbed to the financial reality of today.

Education Reform must take president in every community across the United States. To ensure the future of this country our youth must be prepared to contribute their talents in what venue they choose so that an economically sound and socially fulfilling society continues to flourish. This can only be accomplished by implementing National Economic Reform with Education Reform as a primary directive.

It is really post secondary education that is big business today. The enormity of profits that are being made by the way how higher education is financed continues to soar. Our financial institutions are recouping billions of interest on the ever increasing number of student loans that are not only being offered but in so many cases are necessary for the majority of students entering college. It also propels millions of students into a life filled with tension, anxiety and even depression because paying back all those student loans which have reached epidemic proportions is almost impossible now.

Student loans or educational loans as there called today are all forms of financial aid that must be paid back with interest. Federally guaranteed student loans rate of interest varies between 6.9% and 8.5%. These are the Stanford and Perkins Federally sponsored loan programs for students. Parent loans and private student loans are other sources of financial aid that students can also look to. The real problem today is confronted with the ever increasing cost of tuition and other rising costs of a college education like books, room and board, and all the other miscellaneous costs involved. About 95% of college enrolment today are using student loans to pay for their education. That is an increase of over 35% from just tens years ago. The amount of debt involved in obtaining a college education has also risen substantially within the past decade. Every year of those 95% of students their debt has increased by over 7% so that today each student upon graduation are already in debt of over $30,000. When students are enrolled in for profit schools the debt ratio is over 30% higher than those students enrolled in state or non profit institutions.

In no other time in our history has a sector of our society been set back so far financially just so they could obtain an education in order to advance financially in life. It’s like students are taking a step in the right direction by continuing their education but are thrown back so many steps just to get that education. What is making student loans becoming so necessary lies in the overall deterioration of our whole economic structure in our society today. Back in the 1960′s upon high school graduation the majority of students that went on to college were enrolled in state or non profit universities. Sure many went to places like Harvard or Yale but by in large Universities like Illinois or Michigan were more appealing for most. Financing higher education during those times seemed much less complicated. Loan programs were offered but not like they are today with the way financial institutions use predatory lending. Scholarships were more available back then as well. All a student had to do to qualify for what we used to call a “free ride” [that's a four year all expense paid tuition and all other expenses] was maintain a high school grade point average of over 3.5, and excel in either arts, music, or athletics. A far cry from today. The whole economic demographics of our society has shifted from one where disposable incomes in households all across the United States during the 1950′s through the mid 1970′s were more abundant and contributed to the financial ability of parents whose child went on to college to now practically every household is so hard pressed financially the only option left is to borrow money. Banks now realize this and are capitalizing on golden opportunities to reap billions of profits from all those who are now forced to go in debt just to pay for their education. Another set back is for all those students who are now steered toward private lenders because of government sponsored scholarships have been dried up are now more prone to be in financial deep water upon graduation.

The total amount undergraduates can borrow from the these two categories, direct loans and federal loans has been frozen since 1992. Meanwhile, average college costs have reached astronomical heights. More students today have to turn to private lenders to augment their tuition or to outright pay it. Amounts borrowed from private lenders soared 1,201% between the 1995-96 academic year. In 2005-2006, according to the College Board, the amount borrowed rose from $1.3 billion to $17.3 billion. The amount tripled in the past five years alone. And the trend is only accelerating

Private loans can be a worthwhile investment when they help students pay for educations that will enhance their lifetime earning potential. But because there are few limits, such loans also pile up massive amounts of debt. In so many cases students whose majors are in fields where upon graduation the employment opportunities are no longer available only exasperates this whole crisis. This is the scenario today, the jobs are no longer available to accommodate not only graduates but for millions of other Americans seeking employment. A recent report stating the true very bleak unemployment figures are our young adults under 25 especially for Afro-Americans the unemployment rate hovers at over 40%. In what jobs there are is another very bleak one concerns the vast underemployment of our young adults in America Today. This all translates to more debt in our society only to be capitalized by financial institutions who continue to profit on the misfortunes of our youth and our college students but do nothing to improve the total economic picture. All of this makes graduates very limited in their ability to pay back their loan obligations. Many times we have all heard of students upon graduation have amassed six-figure debts only to find work at jobs paying $10 per hour. There is no possible way these individuals will ever pay off that debt.

When borrowers can’t pay, lenders can get aggressive. Sallie Mae, the largest student lender, has transformed itself into the country’s largest collection agency as well. If private lenders can’t get borrowers to pay, federal student loans can be turned over to the U.S. Department of Education, which has extraordinary powers to seize tax refunds, garnishee wages and pursue other collection paths typically closed to private lenders. What is so frightening is that private and even non profit universities are using less ethical tactics in luring students and parents alike in granting student loans through private lenders. Many times credit scores are altered or overlooked in favor of qualifying for a student loan only to be denied credit anywhere else. So common is this practice today that any tuition reduction would be negated and the more money needed would be included in those student loans. Just another predatory lending practice for financial institutions much like the way these same institutions manipulated prudent lending practices that led to the sub-prime mortgage crisis that continues to undermine our whole economy,

The way student loans are now structured today has far reaching economic implications that only continue to undermine our whole economy. Today the default rate on student loans is almost triple that of the sub-prime mortgage default rate. This is a major factor in why this country is having an almost impossible task of improving our economy while increasing the profits of major financial institutions. It works like this: When banks like Bank of America, Citibank and JPMorgan Chase make federal student loans the United States Government guarantees to repay them 98 cents on the dollar if the borrower defaults. When these banks make private loans they charge interest rats of over 20% compared to federal interest rates of only 6.9%. In either case the only ones winning are the financial institutions. Students and our own government continue to loose out.

When the federal government continues to ignore the plight of so many today in refusing to raise the amount equal to the costs of higher education those students have no choice but to seek the private sector financial institutions to procure the extra needed funds. In doing so they have while the cost continues to escalate only encourages the financial industry to capitalize and vigorously pursue students with promises of guaranteed acceptance in acquiring the loans needed to secure the financial obligations in their college education.

With so many defaulting on their student loans obligations today much like when banks foreclose on a home these same financial institutions are finding it more profitable for students to default and home owners to undergo foreclosure rather than work out payment plans. A double edge sword is now a focal point in that if persons wanting to apply for a loan re modification to reduce their mortgages are now being denied because banks have purposely set the credit criteria higher now just to deny that loan modification. The same scenario is taking place with students who are now forced to default on their student loans.

This is a national crisis. One that has been overshadowed by the mainstream media and our elected officials. The economic impact of this crisis is so huge that if not addressed and rectified now will only reduce our competitiveness in today’s economic markets and the foreseeable future.

It boils down to jobs. Living wage jobs, and the federal government to equate federal student loans to the true cost of higher education today. The rhetoric of today’s politicians and our illustrious legislatures proves that they really still don’t understand the big picture of how those many jobs were lost and the way our financial institutions continue to manipulate rules and procedures just increase their profit margins. Until the implementation of total National Economic Reform is implemented our students will continue to wallow in massive debt probably for the rest of their lives and our whole economy will continue to also, wallow in economic deprivation.