Improve the Classroom, Improve the World

It’s no secret that the last several decades have marked historical levels of societal change, from shifting public opinions to changing job markets to the introduction of technology in our daily lives. As these tides turn, however, it is also clear that there is an unavoidable link to the education system. How do we ensure student success within this rapidly shifting landscape?

IMPROVE the Classroom, IMPROVE the World

For one, it’s essential to understand that, now more than ever, we as a nation and society rely on the benefits of widespread education. More than just on an individual level, providing young people with education directly benefits every single member of our communities. For instance, according to The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, educated people are twice as likely to volunteer, 3.5 times as likely to donate to charity, and significantly more likely to vote.

As a society becomes more educated, not only do its people become more involved, but they also exert an indirect impact. For example, the Economic Policy Institute report found that as a workforce becomes more educated and means salaries increase, productivity increases too, improving the economy. This information suggests that individuals rely less on government programs and will pay more taxes over their lifespans, giving us a chance to improve infrastructure, strengthen welfare programs, and reinvest in education. 

data speaks

The data speaks volumes about the importance of education for our country's progress. Prioritizing and investing in education for all Americans should thus be a top priority. Unfortunately, not all segments of our society have equal access to education, and some face significant challenges in their pursuit of education, despite their unwavering commitment and motivation.

Studies reveal that disadvantaged groups such as low-income families, minorities, and those in rural areas have limited access to quality education. This inequality perpetuates a cycle of poverty and limits their opportunities for upward mobility. It also affects our economy, as a less educated workforce may hamper economic growth and innovation.

Investing in education should include targeted support and resources for disadvantaged communities. Providing access to early education programs and increasing funding for public schools in low-income areas can help level the playing field and ensure everyone has an opportunity to succeed. We can also invest in programs that offer resources such as scholarships, mentorship programs, and career guidance to help individuals overcome barriers to education.

We must commit to creating a fair and equitable education system for all Americans. By doing so, we will unleash the full potential of our citizens and build a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.

The Modern Classroom

As society has shifted, so has the classroom. Today, the American Council on Education numbers show that 45% of undergraduate students are nonwhite, and 43% are low-income. Further, numbers from the Center for First-Generation Student Success and the U.S. Government Accountability Office show that one-third are the first in their family to pursue higher education, while over one-fifth are parents. It is inspiring that so many young people are breaking down barriers to begin their college education.

Nevertheless, their college success rates are often disheartening. For low-income students, enrollments have dropped 8.4% in the wake of COVID-19, while first-gen students continue to struggle, with 33% dropping out within the first three years as of 2019. Parents, in particular, face insurmountable struggles. While they tend to, on average, earn higher grades, suggesting a genuine motivation to learn, most student-parents juggle parenting and school with a full-time job, and as a result, 52% drop out before getting their degrees.

These numbers show these students are no less motivated, intelligent, or capable. It’s simply that, in the recent flurry of activity and social reform, we left education out of the mix. 

Supporting Students

We need to do better by giving students the support they need. To offer a few best practices:

• create a list of local and national scholarships to help students from lower income backgrounds to be aware of their options, emphasizing need-based awards.

• establish a club or organization of first-gen faculty and staff willing to give advice and support first-generation college students on their journey.

• share information with student-parents about on-campus childcare services (afforded by over half of universities) and encourage them to apply to institutions that offer this support.

Additionally, research by Beyond College Access founder Dr. Sherell Wilson has shown that many students focus on psychosocial development opportunities to help them achieve their post-secondary educational goals.

Get Your Copy of Dr. Sherell Wilson's High-Quality Professional Learning Guide and Workbook. With this book, you'll gain insights from students themselves, who share their own experiences and perspectives. This book is an essential resource for anyone who wants to create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment. You can use it as a standalone resource or as part of a larger training framework for your team.