Neoliberalism In School

1569 Words4 Pages

According to Jessica Brathwaite, although the department of education and most of New York City has finally began to recognize the segregation amongst public schools’ due to the unequal distribution of resources, they attempted to implement neoliberal policies believing that it would be a solution to the inequality amongst public schools in New York City. Some of these policies include: privatization of public education, increased graduation requirements, matching students to the schools of the system’s choice (Brathwaite 6). Neoliberalism is the idea that all people, including children, have equal knowledge to make the best decision for themselves, as well as equal power to execute their choice (Brathwaite 8). Jessica Brathwaite, a postdoctoral …show more content…

In other words, neoliberal policies will benefit those that have access to high-quality education to find opportunities and experience academic success; however, this is clearly a problem because not everyone in New York City has access to these types of resources. Furthermore, the students who reside in segregated neighborhoods are negatively impacted due to the many barriers they face. For example, when applying to colleges, nowadays a successful applicant is not only the one with an outstanding GPA, but also the student that has pages long of community service experiences, and high standardized test scores. Generally, many students in the segregated neighborhoods belong in low-income families, in which they must may have to obtain a job outside of school in order to support themselves, as well as their families. However, often times, the students with jobs, are overlooked. Although community service is voluntary and a benefit to society, not all students are able to participate in such activities and may not even have a choice to care for their families’ due to social and economic disadvantages. It’s not a choice for them, but a responsibility and sacrifice they must take. A responsibility they must take in order to move their families out of these racially segregated neighborhoods, that are often dangerous, unstable, …show more content…

Standardized tests have the same set of questions administered to all students in all schools of New York City, with the intent of creating comparable results. (Knoester and Parkison 11). However, with the unequal access of distribution amongst schools in New York City, the low-income schools, generally filled with minority students, who receive fewer resources, will clearly result in lower test scores than a school with a whiter and richer population, where high-quality education is given. These assessments are a big deal to many colleges and schools that require an application to get in. Getting rid of test may be something New York City cannot change, or it may be too difficult. However, test scores can be changed with the amount and quality of resources allotted to support the education of children of color in public

Open Document