Controversial Issues in Education

"Follow the path of the unsafe, independent thinker. Expose your ideas to the danger of controversy. Speak your mind and fear less the label of 'crackpot'' than the stigma of conformity." ~ Thomas J. Watson

Controversies, as stated in the above quote, are a perfect recipe to promote independent thinking. Just consider if there are no issues in our society then would there be any progress? Controversies challenge our beliefs and they propel us to research and understand more about our thinking patterns, arguments, and logic.

Current Issues in Education
The US educational system has been subject to controversies since its inception. So what are some of the most debated issues in education all across the country? Although, there can be an exhaustive list of such issues in education, some of the most discussed issues in the social circle have been mentioned further.

1. Should prayers in public schools be allowed?
Atheists, a class of thinkers, who don't believe in the existence of any deity have been against recitation of Bible hymns in public schools, and several cases have gone to the courtrooms. There is another school of thought that regards prayer as a natural healer of our pains and mental anguish.

2. Should sex education be a part of educational curriculum?
Schools, health care and parents have all been confused and divided when it comes to sex education. Should kids be presented the facts as they are or should sex education be avoided? But then, hasn't it led to unprecedented rise in teenage pregnancy? Aren't kids learning a wrong set of beliefs and facts about sex and sexuality. Aren't they succumbing to mere negative peer pressure in sex related matters? Didn't it made you think? Sex education, in fact is one of the most challenging issues in education all across the globe.

3. What is causing increase in school violence cases?
Scholars have become tired of framing stringent policies on curbing violence in schools and colleges but it seems that school violence incidents are not lessening at a rate as they should be. Some say it's the fault of burdening educational system while others propagate it to be just the recklessness of youth. Violent movies and effects of violent video games are other major reasons for increasing school violence among kids. School violence and bullying are certainly a reality of today's school and college campus.

4. Is home schooling better than public schooling?
Homeschooling is one of the most debated issues in education. Homeschooling statistics will convey to you the trend of homeschooling in the US.

5. Is bilingual education necessary?
Although, majority of US citizens know various bilingual education pros and cons, people have created a huge controversy on this issue. There seems no end to the bilingual education debate and it's also one of the most difficult issues to handle, in education.

6. Should clothing and uniform be mandatory in schools/colleges?
Even school uniforms have been the subject of controversies! Although they're a norm in most countries, there are various school uniform pros and cons that have been debated all across the globe.

7. Is standardized testing a fair way to judge competence?
SAT, GMAT, LSAT etc. are some of the standardized tests that have become a part of the educational system. Owing to many pros and cons of standardized testing, the education fraternity seems to be divided on standardized testing and its effectiveness.

8. Is special education becoming too expensive?
Special education caters to the need of children requiring special attention in the form of different types of care and education. Since that is why expenses in providing the special education are high. Some people argue that it is not worth to spend so much money on special education when it can be taught in other simpler ways. Owing to the emotional side related to special education for special children, it remains one of the most challenging issues in education.

9. Should students with learning disabilities have different courses?
If students with learning disabilities are favored in any way, there is huge cry of unfair competition by mainstream students. Many teachers and students say that if people with learning disabilities are given different and easier sections to study, it will lead to unfair competence among everyone.

10. Are there any scientific treatment methods for autism?
One of the major issues in elementary education is treating children with autism. There are hosts of controversies on this topic as some claim that autism can only be controlled and not treated totally. There remains a group of doctors and teachers who relentlessly demand for government funds to treat autism and educate autistic students by different educational reforms.

This was all about some of the controversial issues in America, especially in its educational system. If you're reminded of some other issues in education, do share it with us, by leaving a comment.