Last Thirty Years example essay topic

360 words
Schools changed in many ways in the last thirty years. One of the major changes is discipline. Discipline is a much greater concern today than it was thirty years ago due to certain issues that did not present a problem back then. Thirty years ago, problems were usually minor, such as chewing gum, talking without permission and not doing homework.

Today, problems in schools are a much greater and serious issue. The greatest concerns now are the increasing acts of violence and drugs. In addition to discipline problems, teachers also face increasing amounts of paperwork and keeping records on their students. The emphasis placed on standardized testing has led to more pressure on teachers and students. Learning has also changed in the last thirty years. Today, students in kindergarten are working on skills that were once taught on the first or second grade level.

Classroom structure is another thing that has changed in the past thirty years. Children may work in groups or at their own pace. Students today are more likely to go to a larger school and be exposed to people of other races, cultures and social groups. More help is available for children who are struggling academically or socially. Guidance counselors, family resource directors and psychologists are available to help children and families.

Parent involvement and support is less frequent than it was thirty years ago. Today, many children live in single parent homes or have two parents that work full time outside the home. This leads to less time for school activities. When a problem occurs at school, today's parents are more likely to blame the teachers than they were thirty years ago. Basic subjects such as math and reading are still taught, but different methods may be used.

Today, hands on learning is emphasized in many schools. Another one of the changes is computer education and the use of computers to teach. Reflecting on what the school was thirty years ago and what it is now, the changes between the two are drastic.