Why is being considered a nerd bad? When someone says “nerd”, “scientist”, “chemistry”, “physics”, or “biology” the imagery that automatically comes to mind is one of dreary old men in boring white lab coats discussing something equally as mundane as their appearance. The next thing that jumps into people’s cognizance would be how society views those that choose science as a career path; in a world that is focused on sex, drugs, and rock and roll, finding joy in learning new things falls very low on the “cool” meter. Consequently, the population’s minds are turned off, and grades suffer.
Where Does America Stand?
In 2002, UNICEF compared public education in twenty four nations around the world: the US ranked 18. Forty years ago America had the highest graduation rate: now America is ranked as the 19th. US 4th grade math grades have remained the same since 1995, while other countries have improved. Science has always been what has propelled the United States, economically, above other countries. The US even maintained a competition with Russia when it came to outer space; Russia launched Sputnik, America landed on the moon. Although it had to do with the enormous amount of talent the US had to offer, this is no longer the case, and this is what has lead to America losing the lead.
Why this has happened is still open to debate among many people, but one of the suggestions has been because of the "No Child Left Behind" law. The law required students to be tested on reading and math, and therefore schools dropped science courses in order to devote more time to working on those subjects. This has caused a domino effect; it has been mentioned that kids who did not take science in elementary school were less likely to take science in high school.
In addition, a child who might have been introduced to science and would like to continue could possibly encounter problems as he gets higher in school. In middle schools, 40 percent of science teachers and half of math teachers lack a major or minor in the subject. American students are holding their own at the elementary level, but as they progress through the system, they fall behind their international counterparts.
What Can Be Done About It?
Still, others claim that America’s leaders are no longer focused on education; science advisor to the president no longer attends cabinet meetings, and the Office of Technology Assessment was abolished in 1995. The root of the problem appears to be the values of today’s youth; celebrities are popular, MySpace rules discussions, and Weird Al sings about being “White and Nerdy”.
To fix the problem political leaders should stand up and pay attention – getting involved goes a long way. Places that openly encourage science such as museums, arboretums, and aquariums should further promote their summer camps and events to entice kids to learn. Youth programs such as Girl and Boy scouts should continue their scientific events to inspire the Nation’s children. Then perhaps being called a “nerd” might not be considered an insult anymore.
Nevertheless, while America fights to regain its once high held position on the list of public education, it cannot go without mentioning homeschooling. As the fastest growing form of education, homeschooled students excel. In multiple studies, homeschooled children averaged better test scores than those in conventional public schools. Still other studies show that homeschoolers have positive self concepts. To sum it up: in the instance that politicians should fail to see the necessity of reforming and reworking the public school system, America would still have some glimmer of hope in the home educated.
Sources:
Two Million Minutes: A Global Examination. Dir. Chad Heeter. Prod. Robert A. Compton. 2007. DVD. Broken Pencil, 2007.
Ray, Brian D. A Quick Reference Worldwide Guide to Homeschooling: Fact and Stats on the Benefits of Home School. Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman Publ., 2002.
Joseph, Max. “Education.” Good Magazine. Feb. 2008
Mary Faler - Technically still a student but with a deep, abiding curiousity in all things, Mary Faler leaps into action anytime a story sneaks it's ...
