As I read my old college friend Mong Palatino's political blog about education, I squirmed because it has reminded me how backwards education system is in the Philippines. The lack of appropriate equipment, unavailability of updated books, deteriorating buildings and the declining status of the country's supposedly top-notch schools bring sorrow to my heart. Yet I look at my years of experience as a teacher in a public school system in United States and recall American students' behavior towards this "free public education"... my crestfallen emotion slowly turns into slight anger because of the imbalance of opportunities. The US government provides students from K-12 an overwhelming access to credentialed teachers, state and board-adopted curriculum, brand new textbooks, ELMO projectors, Smart Boards, DVD & televisions in each classroom, free lunch for students who qualify, resourceful libraries, multimedia centers equipped with computers and printers, custodian-maintained facilities, running water, proper ventilation (heater during Winter and aircondition during Summer) & decent sized classrooms FOR FREE. I am certain that if you have been living in the USA, you are then used to this and it's nothing uncommon. However I have gone to a public elementary school in the Philippines and witnessed the struggles of my classmates who actually had to walk miles and miles without shoes or slippers on because they could not afford to buy any. Textbooks were sold to the students in the beginning of the school year (along with an enrollment fee). Those who cannot afford them would then have to continue with their education with very minimal resources. Some of the facilities that I have seen are not even being close to average (see picture above). Now do not take this out of context and assume that I am speaking for all the schools in the Philippines because just like here with us, some areas seem to be well-off and some are just way behind. Yet the conditions I have seen are unacceptable no matter which part of the country you are from.
American parents have the option of sending their children to a private school or public school without sacrificing the quality of education. Some people may argue that private schools are better but in my opinion, it's about what the school and its staff stand for. For example, our school goes through accreditation and is held responsible to "fix" any concerns brought up by the committee within a given amount of time. In this country, we find solutions to identified problems. Resources are available and funding is within reach. As a result, schools are certain to meet appropriate standards to continuously operate. If you do not have a preference and would not mind spending some cash on your child's education then you could send them to a private school of your choice. However if you trust the public school system and would like to save some money, then you could go the other route. An American student's future is not blighted with the choice of school made by the family. Both sectors provide adequate instruction and support that the graduates start on equal footing before entering any university with the acceptance relying solely on the grades, extra curricular activities, test scores, entrance letters and interview results. Therefore, a student coming from any type of socioeconomic background is granted a chance to succeed. Those who cannot afford to pay for school have the option of enrolling in a public school system.
You would be astonished to know how many American students take for granted all this amazing opportunities. At least once a week, I encounter a student who complains how much school sucks and wishes to never been "required by parents and by law" to attend. How about those tardy students who blame their parents for not dropping them off on time when they have free bus passes that they could use? It amazes me how many come to school unprepared without a pencil or paper while they sport the newest MJ's (Michael Jordan shoes), South Pole shirts and Dickie's pants. They get mad for getting detention because they are not wearing their IDs. As if a simple "I forgot" excuses them from being irresponsible while they religiously grab their iPod Nanos daily before going to school. If not the teacher, then it's the book that bores them to death because it requires so much reading and too much work. Giving homework over the weekend seems to be the most "inconsiderate" thing a teacher could do because it takes so much of their busy schedule (aka hanging out with friends, playing videos or logging on to MySpace). When there is a 3-day weekend, most students complain about the time off being too short! Then after December breaks and Spring breaks, most students are too exhausted to get back on track because their vacations were not long enough. It takes a lot to appall me but whenever I hear about these complaints, I cannot help but be furious. I remember those former classmates of mine who would die to be here, to be educated and become future asset to the society. Whenever a student repeatedly complains, I joke with my colleagues about asking for the president's permission to trade this American student with another youth from the Philippines. I would rather have a student who would appreciate free education. Is our way of living too pleasant and convenient that our youth do not see the relevance of education to their future? Are Americans spoiled and not appreciative of the blessing we have?
Perhaps it is true that the Philippine's educational system needs revamping. With the widespread poverty in the country, I am certain that everyone understands that acquiring education may be their only chance to improve their lives. I hope the system changes and more youth can be provided free and appropriate education. Despite the lack of sophistication of the Philippine educational system, I continue to be appreciative of the determination and will Filipino students show. I know many who juggle being a full-time employee and a full-time student - I raise my glass to you. Those of you who keep walking to school despite the heat, the smell of jeepneys' (a public form of transportation in the Philippines) exhaust and the distance - I salute you. Maybe your country will support the education reform you have been needing pretty soon. Stick together and support one another. You may not have it all but you have your WILL... Something that I hope for our American students to have. It bothers me and I hate to ask you this young American but - Why is it that you wish to not be educated? Is stupidity the new fad?
*Alexia S.
