Pssh. Who Needs School?

Though most of us students despise school with a strong passion, we must remember it is important to the success of our society. School teaches the children of our country skills that are needed for life. Is there repetition? Yes. Is it pointless? Sometimes. Is it boring? Most of the time. However, the children are the future of our country and the world. It is important to teach them things that they need to succeed in life and help our world succeed. Education systems around the world vary. Some are very effective, others aren't, and some may even be nonexistent.

 

The best school systems are said to be found in various continents. From Finland, to South Korea and from England to the United States, the school systems vary, but are all very good, some better than others.

 

A student in the United States enters school at the age of five, most likely. They start out in kindergarten and go all the way up to 12^th grade. From kindergarten to 5^th grade, known as elementary school, the basics are taught. In 6^th through 8^th grade, middle school, more is taught to the students. They start to have tests and grades. In 7^th grade, a student can start playing sports. Middle school also allows students to participate in various extracurricular academic, musical, or athletic activities. Then a student goes to high school in 9^th grade. Now, the work load seems to increase. Students sit in class for six hours and learn a bunch of facts. They go home after school, though most participate in sports, music, drama, show choir, and academic activities, and then do their homework for what seems like 20 hours. This continues for four years till they are released to go to college, other higher education, or the work force. The student has tests, a grade system with a GPA, and the continual feeling of hatred towards school.

 

Finland is said to have one of the best school systems around the world, but it is quite different than America’s, one that students here, may actually envy. Finland does not have private schools, they are all public. The teachers must have a master’s degree and have the choice to teach what they want in their classes. A higher percentage of the budget in Finland goes directly to the classroom and is a more affordable place to get an education. Though they have no sports teams, they still have sports. In Finland each individual child is focused on, though the children have independence. Now for the fact, that will make all the students envious, is that Finland does not have standardized tests or homework. One may ask how they succeed, but Finland has one of the best school systems.

 

Education systems in foreign countries, especially Asian nations, like China, Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong, seem to be more successful than America’s. In these countries a high value is placed on education. It is a part of their culture. Also, the quality of the teachers is an important reason for their success. Teachers are highly trained and paid on how well they do. They teach larger classes, but still have contact with their students. The whole idea of homework and what is given is a little different there as well.

Education systems around the world vary. Some are successful, some aren’t. As much as we hate school, education is needed for success. It is important for countries where students to that get low education start creating a school system to help them grow. For countries with education systems, they should make sure that it is the most efficient form. Education of the younger generations means success in the future, and various cultures and places have different ways to drive this.

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