College Board hasn’t seen SAT reading comprehension scores this low since 1972, NPR reported earlier this week. Out of the nearly 2 million high school seniors who took the SAT, “six in 10 test takers are not prepared for college level work.”
NPR’s report also discussed how scores of other standardized tests have shown significant drops in sections regarding reading comprehension and writing. The ACT states that only “25 percent of high schoolers who took the test (this year) are college ready.”
College Board President Gaston Caperton blamed the unpreparedness of college-hopefuls on the education system and the apparent lack of difficulty and rigor involved in the course work.
I couldn’t agree more, but what’s at fault here — the lower standard of excellence in the education system or our generation’s shift in educational values? Is it the students and our conditioned apathy or the education system as a failing institution?
As inconsequential as reading comprehension may seem to the average Joe, it’s a significant failure that needs to be recognized. The class of 2012 is not as distant in age as you might be inclined to think and as a current student in this supposedly “failing” system, I wouldn’t soon put a difficult novel in the hands of the average student with confidence.
The blame, therefore, is shared. On one hand, the education system has slowly been loosening its pressure on certain subjects of the “general education” that college-bound students need. Does it surprise anyone that students are failing to grasp the reading comprehension skills required in basic English literature courses?
On the other hand, this academic fissure is created by an undeterred apathy from students.
American students do not appreciate the beauty of free, quality education and in fact, we find every opportunity to criticize it. But perhaps our criticism serves as healthy oversight of the education system. If left unchecked, wouldn’t it be easy for an entire school — or an entire nation — of students to unanimously fail?
But our apathy as students is even more dangerous than education’s failure as an institution. A school administration’s purpose is to teach, of course, but it serves to also inspire, encourage and ensure that its teaching efforts are effective. What’s to happen if an entire generation of learners all of a sudden find themselves uninspired with no motivation to learn about the world?
Education’s flaws need to be addressed and I propose we start with ourselves.
Sure, we’re no longer part of the high school education system and we’d love to think that those days are miles behind us, but universities aren’t immune from the effects of the overarching education system. Moreover, younger students who aspire to be the world’s intellect look in our direction.
Much like an older sibling, I propose we lead by example.
Education can no longer be comparable to Chinese water torture. Classes should not cause us grief, but excitement for excellent possibilities.
At one of the largest universities in the world, it’s our duty to alter the way the world thinks. Education is a gift and considering that we’re reaching deep into our pockets for it, we should find enjoyment in it.
Maybe soon, our nation can look at education in a new and clearer light.
Reach the columnist at mschan@asu.edu or follow him at @MorganSukutto.
