Due to the changing nature of society more and more issues have become the responsibility of the educational institution and I am not sure our schools, colleges and universities are prepared to handle them. Still the issues fall into three categories: curriculum, the student, theeducators.
What should remain of the curriculum as it stands? What should be taught to students today? Science has provided so much information and technology has changed us all forever. So what gets taught and what gets left out? Students deserve to be informed as in traditions, morals and beliefs, but they also deserve to be informed about fact and that which is speculation and fiction? Religion has its place but I think this needs to be re-evaluated as to what goes in to the textbooks. Does the curriculum reflect the society by including minorities? Discrimination and racism still exist so will the curriculum reflect these Women? Children? Is there a place for them in today’s education?
The student is a different entity today. We have many issues that that have come along withthem. Confidentiality is a given between students and the professional staff. Unless there is a threat to themselves or others, whereby staff are obligated to report the issue to the authorities, students feel comfortable to talk with the staff. But what if drugs were involved? Addiction is a reality today and how is it dealt with? Are students simply ignored and neglected because they do not meet the standard of the institution? How is the welfare of the student provided for and cared for? What if the student was homeless or under such stress and duress at home that his education was affected? What if, due to poor socio-economic conditions, students have to work long hours to help support the family or support the expenses of his education. This is an issue because it is not addressed. Students are struggling and where are the educational and governmental leaders? Student debt is a growing issue for so many and their dignity is often not protected as poverty takes over their lives.
Educators face ethical issues as well. Questions on how to grade students is new one as at times educators now that students need a little helpand support. Then it is possible that the grading does not reflect the true achievement of the student. Teachers have to look at the options and sometimes giving a student a passing grade regardless of the work is the only way that student will stay in school and have any chance at success for a future. Then we have actual teacher planning for the students. Are teachers dedicated enough to the well being of their students to provide what they need in today’s society? Do they care enough to be concerned for the many areas of their lives not just the test scores? Is the full person being educated and inspired in our institutions by inspirational teachers? Are students really learning what they need in their lives at the moment? How are students supported by the educationalinstitutions? Teachers are obligated to provide excellent instruction. Are leaders able to say that their teachers provide this for students in their care? This is good question today. Are educators ready to provide help to students in academic areas or is such help not considered part of the curriculum? These issues and many others are real in the lives of students today but one thing remains is that the good of the student has to be front and centre of any educational institution
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