Myths about schools, especially public schools, mislead many people. They undermine the confidence in educators. Education has always been a source of debate. There are many opinions about teaching styles, grading systems, and homework. Educators and parents are inundated with educational information, ranging from fact to fiction, about improving the system and about how students learn.
Public schools educate all students. However, there are several common misconceptions.
- One myth is that public schools are overcrowded. On average, the NCES reports that schools are not overcrowded.
- Public schools have an inferior curriculum, which is not true. Standards for education are set across the state for all schools, regardless of whether they are public, charter, or private. The curriculum may have minor differences, but it is held to high accreditation standards.
- People believe public schools are not safe. Not true. Public schools are safe. States set protocols that schools must follow. Thus, all schools are equally safe.
- The myth that public schools don’t provide excellent opportunities for learning, growth, and extracurricular activities is untrue. Parents who stay in constant contact with educators and the parent-teacher organization learn about available opportunities for students.
Student Myths
As students move through elementary school, middle school, and high school, they develop mistaken beliefs.
- Students feel they are good at multitasking. A 2016 study found that students spend a third of instructional time on nonacademic work, believing they could process the lesson at the same time.
- Students think that some students are ‘right-brained,’ and others think with their ‘left brain.’ It is not true. All students think differently and have different gifts and talents. They have the capabilities to be analytical, logical, creative, and artistic.
- Students believe their intelligence was fixed at birth. A study conducted wth teenagers found IQ scores fluctuate by 20 points over four years. It is a myth that a student’s IQ is fixed.
- Learning styles are a myth. Students do not have a particular style for learning. Every learning style fits all students in some manner. Some students have a particular preference; however, the brain is not wired to learn better from one style to another. Students learn, remember, and apply information when multiple styles of information are used.
- Students do not have a particular ‘talent’ for one subject over another. This myth is unintentionally created by adults. Perseverance is what determines academic success.
- Cramming for a test is not good. It does not give lasting results. Students tend to forget the material after cramming. Continuous practice is best. The information may be the foundation that is needed to succeed.
Many myths about public education are simply that. Public education is for all students. It is a diverse system that is about a free, equal, and equitable education for everyone. It is part of a democratic system. It’s a system that provides evidence-based practices, understands that students have individual differences, and builds collaboration among the community, teachers, and students. It is a vital part of democracy and demands protection.
