Funding inequities
One of the most foundational issues is the systemic inequity in education funding, which disproportionately harms schools serving predominantly harms schools serving predominantly low-income students and students of color. Insufficient resources in these schools create a cycle of disadvantage, impacting teacher pay, facilities, technology and support services. Reforms at regional, national, and international levels are essential to address these inequalities comprehensively.
Lack of teacher support
Teachers are the lifeblood of education, but do not receive adequate ongoing training and support. Workloads leave little time for planning, collaboration, or individualized instruction, and new and professional development and mentoring is limited. This fuels high turnover, leading to an erosion of the school community. Structural factors like understaffing, large class sizes, and lack of planning periods built into teacher contracts undermine their ability to meet all students’ needs in compassionate and just ways.
Outdated and narrow curriculums
School curriculums frequently fail to address real student needs or reflect diverse identities. Education today overemphasizes standardized testing and rote memorization at the expense of the critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and importantly, compassion that students need. Educational materials and lessons still center colonialist Western perspectives and downplay the histories, cultures and contributions of marginalized group.
Systemic bias
Education systems reflect the systemic societal biases around race, class, gender, sexual orientation and ability. The ramifications of historical racist and discriminatory policies extend into the present day, perpetuating educational inequalities. Harsh disciplinary measures disproportionately affect vulnerable students, often leading to their exclusion from educational environments.
Polarized rhetoric
Education has unfortunately become a politicized “wedge” issue. Political rhetoric pits stakeholders against each other instead of focusing on shared goals. Policy debates turn education into a partisan issue, hindering thoughtful and compassionate reform. Powerful entities such as textbook publishers, high-stakes testing companies, and even tech firms profiting off digital curriculums spend heavily to influence policymakers, shaping education agendas for their benefit over students. Until the political will shifts to support true systemic change, progress will remain piecemeal at best.
