Potential Solutions & Organizations With Current Solutions 

Solutions  

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While comparing school systems in the U.S., Germany, and India, certain systems appear to be effective at implementing policies and practices to reduce disparities in education. One of those companies is Ed Trust, which focuses on "dismantling the racial and economic barriers that are embedded in the American education system." Through research and advocacy, Ed Trust works to advance educational equity from preschool through college. It does this by analyzing local, state, and national data to help build a broader understanding of opportunity gaps for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds and the actions necessary to close them. Another important step they take is working alongside educators, policymakers, and advocates in communities across the country to provide practical support for their efforts to transform schools into safer, more welcoming, and inclusive institutions for students of all backgrounds. 

 

Another organization already in place and working to address educational disparities is Pratham USA. Pratham USA is similar to Ed-Trust, which focuses on funds for educational programs for underserved communities, specifically in India. A specific program that has achieved numerous successes is Pratham USA's Teach Where You Are methodology. By assessing children's actual skill levels, they provide tailored learning camps, digital initiatives, and vocational training for youth aimed at lifting communities out of poverty. When looking at India, I recommend focusing on organizations such as Pratham USA and using their Teaching At The Right Level methodology to help students who struggle and are less fortunate have as many educational opportunities as possible, could be of benefit in India. As this occurs to catch students left behind back up to speed, organizations like Pratham USA must collaborate with the government at the state and federal levels to discuss the allocation of funds.

 

 Germany doesn't face the same educational funding issues and ranks in the top 20 globally. It faces issues with how students are placed in certain career paths based on their parents' socioeconomic status and current employment. One recommendation could be that the education system and career development specialists determine the student's profession based on their achievements and personal preferences.

 

 In the U.S, it is a bit different when tackling this problem. Since funding primarily comes from property taxes and there is limited federal involvement, it would be helpful to include the federal government and force it to play a larger role in funding. However, the 10th Amendment states that any powers not already delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states. So all the states have the right to manage education any way they see fit. Fortunately, programs like Ed-Trust, which are already in place, have been effective in curbing this issue. On a local level, as a student, I can shed light on this  issue by educating my fellow students at LFA, starting in my own neighborhood, and creating a public school PTA that advocates for better materials, more resources, and funding for my neighborhood. To delve deeper into my idea of the PTA, I believe that based on district, each public school should have a PTA that focuses on issues that are relevant to their school districts. They would meet 3 times a month with their own respective districts, to discuss collective issues such as gaps in student learning, lack of athletics and extracurricular,  and lack of community engagement. Then  once coming to a conclusion on what the top 3 most important issues of the month are, they lobby a school district for allocation of funds to those issues. This is only contingent on the participation of the community. However if implemented it can act as an amazing catalyst for growth and reduction of educational inequity.