Is the US Educational System Designed to Benefit the Rain the United States, students in the richest families earn 77 percent more than the lowest-income ones. The educational attainment rate of those in the richest families has increased over the last four decades, while the rate of higher-educated students in the bottom 25 percent has barely risen. Why does this happen? And what can we do about it? Let’s look at some of the most prominent reasons.
The US educational system is primarily federally funded, though it is increasingly influenced by state and local governments. Although the federal government has some control over public education, secondary schools are largely state-controlled. Local control prevents corruption, but it is also expensive. Historically, education was segregated based on race in the US. In the 21st century, the federal government has attempted to address these issues, such as the desegregation of school districts and the funding of college and university degrees.
The top 1% could help change this situation. For example, they could donate to community colleges and historically black colleges and universities. A recent Forbes article found that Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg increased his personal wealth by $27.3 billion, almost seven times the endowment funds of all HBCUs combined. This money would go a long way to helping students from lower-income families obtain a higher education.
The public school system in the United States largely created civic culture for the people who lived in the nation’s poorest areas. As a result, the education system leveled the playing field for all. And while some wealthy parents opted for elite private schools, the poorest children sat side by side in the same classroom. In addition, these schools helped poor children assimilate into the American culture and social mobility.
