Improving Education in Akron, OH: An Expert's Perspective

As an expert in public policy, I have closely studied the various public policies in Akron, OH that aim to address issues related to education and schools. Akron, a city in the state of Ohio, has a population of over 197,000 people and is home to several public and private schools. However, like many other cities in the United States, Akron also faces challenges in providing quality education to its students.

The Importance of Public Policies in Education

Before delving into the specific policies in Akron, it is crucial to understand the importance of public policies in education. Public policies are the guidelines and actions implemented by the government to address societal issues and achieve certain goals.

In the case of education, public policies play a crucial role in ensuring that all students have access to quality education regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. Public policies also help in creating a standardized education system that sets expectations for both students and educators. They provide a framework for schools to follow and ensure that all students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for their future.

The State of Education in Akron

In recent years, Akron has faced several challenges in its education system. According to data from the Ohio Department of Education, only 68% of students in Akron City Schools graduated on time in 2019. This is significantly lower than the state average of 85%. Additionally, the district has a high poverty rate, with over 80% of students coming from low-income families. These statistics highlight the need for effective public policies that can address these issues and improve the overall state of education in Akron.

The Role of Public Policies in Akron's Education System

One of the key policies that have been implemented in Akron to address education issues is the Akron Public Schools' Strategic Plan.

This plan, developed in 2018, focuses on four main areas: academic achievement, student well-being, community engagement, and operational excellence. Under the academic achievement area, the plan aims to improve student performance and increase graduation rates. This includes implementing new teaching strategies, providing professional development opportunities for teachers, and expanding access to advanced courses for students. The student well-being area focuses on addressing the social and emotional needs of students. This includes providing mental health services, promoting a positive school climate, and implementing restorative practices to reduce disciplinary issues. The community engagement area aims to involve parents and community members in the education system. This includes creating partnerships with local organizations and businesses to provide resources and support for students and families. Lastly, the operational excellence area focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the district's operations.

This includes implementing cost-saving measures and utilizing technology to streamline processes.

Other Policies Affecting Education in Akron

In addition to the strategic plan, there are other public policies in Akron that impact education. One such policy is the Akron Reads Initiative, which aims to improve literacy rates among young children. This initiative provides resources and support for families to promote early literacy skills in children. Another policy that has had a significant impact on education in Akron is the Ohio Third Grade Reading Guarantee. This policy requires students to pass a reading assessment by the end of third grade to move on to fourth grade.

It also provides additional support and interventions for struggling readers.

The Impact of Public Policies on Education in Akron

Since the implementation of these policies, there have been some positive changes in Akron's education system. The graduation rate has increased to 74% in 2020, and the district has seen improvements in student performance on state assessments. However, there is still room for improvement. The poverty rate in the district remains high, and there are still achievement gaps among different student groups. This highlights the need for continued efforts and revisions to existing policies to address these issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, public policies in Akron, OH play a crucial role in addressing issues related to education and schools.

The strategic plan and other initiatives have had a positive impact on the district's education system, but there is still work to be done. As an expert in public policy, I believe that continued efforts and revisions to existing policies will help improve the state of education in Akron and provide all students with equal opportunities for success.