Public Education’s Image in the U.S.
So much of what we hear, read, and see about education in the U.S. is negative and the vast majority its good news is under-reported. School violence, controversy over curricular and standardized testing, bullying, and budget issues often make headlines while innovative programs in our public schools and student success stories are overlooked.
We spoke recently with Baldwin Union Free School District’s Superintendent and President Emeritus of AASA, The (premier, national) Schools Superintendents Association, Dr. Shari Camhi, who shared some smart insights, as evidenced by five intriguing questions she posed (and I’ll paraphrase):
- How can our public schools be failing children when our institutions of higher learning are some of the best in the world?
- Most leading global technology companies were launched in the U.S. Doesn’t this indicate that our schools are inspiring learners and cultivating innovation?
- The U.S. is the world’s largest economy, with a gross domestic product of nearly $29 trillion. If our schools were failing future members of the workforce (including entrepreneurs), how could this be so?
- How can we be failing students when Advanced Placement (AP) class enrollment is up over the past decade? According to the College Board, 1,166,311 students in the class of 2022 (34.6% of U.S. public high school graduates) took at least one AP exam, up from 30.1% from the class of 2012.
- It’s widely reported that child literacy and math scores are declining. However, what is this based on? Standardized tests and language from 1970s (which are obsolete in our high-tech age)? Do assessments really match what’s going on in our world today?
Often, the great work teachers and school districts do and the millions of success stories from our education system are overshadowed by the things that news organizations tend to report on – controversial and politically-heated topics such as book bans, acts of aggression, and critical race theory, which, ironically, has never been taught in K-12 public schools (only in higher ed settings).
School administrators and teachers – who are predominantly intelligent, passionate, and well-intentioned – are regularly under attack and blamed for negative education system and adverse child outcomes. But learning cannot stop at the end of the six-and-a-half-hour school day. It must take place at home, during play time, and in vital after school and summer programs, such as those offered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. It truly “takes a village” to educate a child and nurture positive, agency-enhancing, curiosity-building attributes, which undoubtedly ensure their success.
Celebrating the Wins of Education Provides Better Representation
It is imperative we tell the good news about education, which is just as important as highlighting the challenges (and tragedies). Representation matters! If you work in a public K-12 school, a university or college, even a private or charter school – celebrating wins and telling your stakeholders about them is necessary to secure advocacy and support, so you can continue to fulfill your mission of encouraging and guiding youth.
The importance of these stories is not for the sake of telling a heartfelt narrative. They are essential because there’s not enough balance between the perspectives of the positives and negatives in education. Showcasing successes about educational and individual achievements is an honorable act. Keeping a balanced image doesn’t just help support great teachers (who are in short supply), but the schools, education companies, and education nonprofits that are committed to helping learners.
Transparency is indispensable, especially in education, and authenticity is a prerequisite in storytelling. It’s about delivering the truth about what’s working to influence the community and other schools to inspire more positive change. Institutions can ensure transparency and authenticity in storytelling by establishing clear, ethical guidelines, incorporating diverse perspectives, and leveraging technology for real-time communication and engagement.
Celebrating educational successes is incomplete without acknowledging the diligent students who achieve remarkable milestones. Schools should embrace and showcase these achievements, as it motivates students by recognizing their hard work. For instance, Sheila Menon, a distinguished student of NSHSS, was awarded the Claes Nobel Future Female Leader Scholarship. Menon leveraged her achievement to advocate for underrepresented voices and identities in the curriculum.
Today’s youth are at the forefront of educational change, striving to make it more accessible and inclusive and paving the way for others to feel valued and seen.
Teachers are the Thought Leaders in Education
Teachers are some of the most underrepresented leaders in our communities. Many of their contributions, too, are either not reported or overshadowed by negative headlines about education. However, educational leaders and communications staff should highlight the impactful and inspirational stories of these dedicated individuals.
For example, Pre-Kindergarten teacher Jennefer Cruz. In her nineteenth year of teaching, Cruz employs a dynamic and engaging approach to education, utilizing costumes, arts and crafts, and music to enrich students’ learning experiences. Cruz, inspired by a teacher who supported her after she immigrated to the U.S. from Honduras, is just one of millions of inspirational educator stories. Sharing such stories can illuminate the vital, often overlooked, contributions of our teachers. So, promote their contributions, accolades, expertise, and impact on students’ lives.
Mental Health and Wellness is Essential in Education
Schools play a crucial role beyond academic achievements. They are pivotal in supporting students’ mental health and well-being. According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reported by AP News, “From 2021 to 2023, the percentage of high school students reporting feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness declined from 42% to 40%.” While these findings indicate that there is still much to solve to support youth mental health, they tell the narrative about providing students with the necessary support and resources.
The support they provide should also be shared to elevate awareness and help even more young people. Institutions should highlight even minor successes, developing smart messaging and encouraging media to share notable stories.
Celebrating Achievements Improves Image and Reputation
Schools can utilize and leverage awards and recognition to generate positive media coverage. It’s fitting to highlight and celebrate the achievements of students, teachers, and alumni through awards to self-advocate for your school. Such recognition can highlight giving back (e.g., community assistance students provide), innovation, graduation rates, programmatic wins (e.g., Career exploration initiatives that take place in schools), and other stories that will resonate with the community and the families you serve. These accolades can be leveraged in promotional materials and social media campaigns, reinforcing a balanced reputation for education as a nurturing ground for talent and achievement. Utilizing events at your school and creating them to showcase the good work you do with young people, can be a great media draw. These are an ideal way to garner earned (unpaid) media coverage and tell your impact story. Be sure to emphasize with media the visuals – what the kids will be doing that their cameras can capture. We’ve had tremendous success with media events and have garnered billions of media impressions by ensuring they’re “mediagenic.”
Shifting the Narrative of Public Education
In conclusion, positive storytelling in education is a must. K-12, charter, private, and higher ed institutions must consistently and strategically work to shape public perception to create more opportunities for the school community. Schools, educators, and policymakers should focus on what’s working, sharing their achievements and taking best practices from schools like Baldwin who are innovating every day.
These efforts enrich the public perception of education and reinforce its role as a foundational pillar in nurturing the next generation.