Equality of education

America is the land of opportunity. The Pilgrims first came for the opportunity to practice religion freely. Colonists came to our continent for the opportunity to start a new life. In the late 18th and throughout the 19th centuries, immigrants came for financial opportunities. Today, immigrants still come to America for the opportunities she offers.

America's reputation as the land of opportunity is rooted in the text of the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson's now famous line

Although the public school system in America is an achievement worth recognizing, the quality of public school education does not compare to that of private schools. Depending on the quality of a child's education, he or she may grow up to be successful, or homeless. Until every American has the same educational opportunity, our equality of creation only exists on paper.

Education must begin at a young age. Today, children begin their formal education in kindergarten. However, children whose parents had the foresight and money to do so placed their children into a preschool years before kindergarten. This jump-start on education sets some children apart form the rest of the class. Children learn fastest at a young age and several years of preschool gives some children an immense advantage over their peers. The government must begin opening public preschools in order to insure that all children receive this essential head start.

Teachers are the heart of our educational system. We give them the immense responsibility of shaping our children's futures. Yet, the janitors who clean our schools often make more than the teachers do. If we want to ensure that talented and motivated professionals are teaching our children, we must pay teachers the money they deserve. Instead of pouring money into standardized testing, an increase in teacher salaries will yield the results we seek.

The American college education system is the best in the world. A college degree is the best indicator of future success in America today. Unfortunately, not every student who should attend college can. Significant financial obstacles remain. While many scholarships and loans are available, finding and qualifying for financial assistance to offset the high costs of college is often an insurmountable obstacle.

The government must set up a massive educational grant program for families in low tax brackets. Although government educational loans are helpful, they still leave students with hundred thousand-dollar debts at graduation. In addition, many students default on their loans and end up never paying them back, even after becoming financially successful later in life. Instead of offering easily forgiven loans that are a deterrent to students considering college, the government should offer large scholarships.

These proposals are all expensive. They would require new taxes, and cuts to other services the government provides. We must acknowledge that these sacrifices necessary for investing in our children's futures. Instead of focusing on covering the costs of prescription drugs for the elderly, and providing massive welfare programs, the government should give children the ability to afford their own drugs and always be able to find a lucrative job. America must ensure that every one of its children receives the same educational opportunity.