Challenges in Secondary Education

There is overlap between elementary and secondary educational challenges. Some of these mutual issues include deficiencies in reading and mathematical proficiency, learning gaps worsened by the pandemic, and insufficient teachers and school resources. There are also concerns about mental health issues among students and the need for greater safety measures for schools in different parts of the state.  Many high school students are also underprepared for higher education, which could be remedied through more rigorous academic training for college level courses and the SAT and/or ACT exams.  

Addressing student mental health, school safety, and academic aptitude must be a priority for educators and legislators in their efforts to improve the system, but evaluating students' current level of engagement with the educational material itself will also provide valuable insights. None of the strategies to enhance our academic system will be sufficient without recognizing and understanding how the students themselves are responding to the content being presented to them in the classroom. Limiting digital distractions may play a role in keeping students attention, but providing stronger incentives for students to thoughtfully engage with the lessons they are being taught will lay the foundation for a better educational experience across the board.​​