Every year, students enter school doors with their own strengths. Each and every one has different potential. The United States educational system mainly focuses on memorization, obsessing over tests and grades that define how ‘smart you are.’ This system can be invalidating and unenjoyable to students who devote so much time to it. In order to create a school system that sets up students for success, an effort is needed to form one that shifts its motives. 

Organizing school in a way that’s directed more towards critical thinking in comparison to memorization would help shape a better understanding of real world issues and other aspects of future life when students graduate. Teaching subjects with a more interactive approach or even using inventive methods to accomplish an environment where students are eager to learn makes education more effective and helpful in the long run.

For instance, incorporating a portion of project based learning provides more dimension and room for problem solving, independence, or even communication for group projects where individuals can contribute their own strengths while also learning from each other.

Supplying students with the resources to figure out what they want to do with their life doesn’t only include the basics math, science, history, and english. With generations evolving, so are the interests of these generations. Students that aren’t looking into areas that concern traditional academics deserve the exposure to similar material outside of college that some may not even end up attending. When students are given the opportunity to explore different paths, they are more likely to feel motivated and engaged.

Additionally, taking students’ mental health more seriously could build healthy relationships within the school system. When students are dealing with all their personal matters, extra flexibility around homework, classwork, and tests allows them to better sustain their schedules and continue to stay curious and work hard in school. 

Being in school for over half the year can feel repetitive and draining with not much to look forward to besides minimal dances and school events or holidays. 

Valuable education is more important than just what you get on your tests. It should help students grow and prepare, while transforming them into what the future will be. If the U.S. school system truly wants us students to succeed, they need to take in consideration what will prepare us mentally and physically for the real world. Students need proper tools.