Crisis of Education in America

The public education system in the United States is failing us. With a high school drop out rate of 8.1% and 14.2% of Americans unable to read this sentence, we cannot possibly believe that we are succeeding in educating the next generation. The reality in America today is that a college degree is necessary, and translates in to greater success and higher pay over a person's lifetime.

At Austin Community College, we have a front row seat to watch the failure of the education system in action. In grammar school, the education system did not prepare students to succeed in college, and now the result of that lack of preparedness is all around us. As I look around my French class that was full the first week of the semester, I see that less than half the chairs are occupied for the midterm. The other students were unable to keep up with the demanding course and have either withdrawn or will take the "F." This costs us as taxpayers, because not only are we paying a portion of their tuition at a public community college, but the likelihood of financial success without a degree is much lower. The harsh reality at ACC and other community colleges in Texas is that only 15% of the students in any of my classes will go on to graduate from a four year program and another 11% will receive an associates degree.  With an average class size of 36 students, only nine students will fulfill their dream of completing their education with a minimum of a two year degree.


We as taxpayers, spend a lot of money covering up for our lack of spending on education. While not all of societies ills can be cured by having a more educated populous, a degree does open up opportunities that may otherwise not be available without one. We must begin to bring greater focus on how to better prepare the next generation for success. We must increase k-12 education spending and hold educators accountable for where their students should be.  It is up to our generation to find ways to turn around the depressing scene that surrounds us and help our fellow students become college graduates.

In “Ultrasound in abortion should be a woman’s choice” by Brent Jones, the author takes a reasonable approach to a challenging topic.  The author chooses intellectual points over the often seen emotional arguments associated with abortion debates.    The author’s argument centers around the doctor-patient relationship instead the graphic words used in other articles trying to accomplish the same task as this author.  Nowhere in this article does Jones use terms like “medical rape” or “wand of shame” like I have read in similar editorials.  The thought-out and even-keeled opinions put forth by Jones, lends him a credibility missing from both sides of the issue.  The evidence to support his opinion is based on the state laws that are interfering with the Supreme Court decision allowing for a woman’s right to an abortion.  He details several state laws, including the recent Texas and Virginia laws requiring a more invasive ultrasound, rather than allowing the care provider to choose the best method of treating their patient.  His targeted audience appears to be the well-informed person wanting to understand a more reasoned argument for women’s freedoms.

I agree with this author.  Not because I am for or against abortion rights, but because I am strongly against the government regulating my relationship with my doctor.  As a patient, I want my doctor to inform me of all my options, and work with me to come to the best decision for my health.  I don’t believe the government will ever be able to regulate health care in such a way that it improves the level of care that can be given by a good doctor working with a well informed patient.  I do not want to have my doctor’s hands tied with threats of losing their license if they do not agree with the state on the best plan of treatment.