Blog #2: Melissa Hart - Post #1

 Why Education Matters in Elections

Hello everyone! My name is Melanie, and I am currently taking SPC2608, Public Speaking, at Miami Dade College. As part of our class, we have been discussing elections and different topics that connect to them. One topic that stood out to me was education and how much elections can affect it. Before learning more about this topic, I did not really think about how many decisions about schools and education are connected to the people we vote for. Whether we are students, teachers, parents, or simply members of a community, education affects all of us in some way. I think it is important to understand how elections can influence our schools and the opportunities we have for the future.

One thing I found interesting was learning about how education has changed throughout history. Back in the 1600s and 1700s, schools were often run by religious groups, and not everyone had the opportunity to receive an education. Today, things are very different. We have public schools, colleges, universities, online classes, and many more ways to learn. However, there are still problems within the education system. This is where elections become important. The people we vote for have a say in decisions involving schools, educational programs, and funding. Depending on the policies they support, students and teachers can experience changes that affect their everyday lives. It made me realize that voting is not just about choosing a president. Local and state elections also matter because the people elected at those levels can make decisions about education in our own communities.

Another thing we discussed was how technology and social media affect students. I think this is something most of us can relate to because we use our phones almost every day. Technology can be very helpful when it comes to education because students can research information, complete assignments, and communicate with teachers. However, it can also become a distraction. Sometimes, it is hard to focus on schoolwork when social media and notifications are constantly taking our attention away. I think this is an important topic for elections because education policies also involve decisions about technology in schools. For example, schools need to decide how technology should be used in classrooms and what resources should be available to students. When candidates talk about improving education, these are some of the issues voters should pay attention to.

Standardized testing was another topic that caught my attention. I personally think students should not be judged entirely by one exam because everyone learns differently. Some students do really well on tests, while others may understand the material but struggle when they have to take an exam under pressure. I think a student’s performance throughout the school year should matter too. This connects to elections because education policies can determine how students are tested and evaluated. Candidates may have different ideas about standardized testing and how schools should measure academic success. As voters, it is important to understand these differences because the decisions made can affect students for years.

School funding and teachers are also important when discussing elections. We sometimes forget how much goes into keeping schools running. Schools need books, computers, supplies, updated classrooms, and programs that help students succeed. Teachers also need proper support and resources to do their jobs. When schools do not have enough funding, students may not have access to the same opportunities as students in better-funded schools. Government officials help make decisions about how public money is spent, including money allocated to education. This is why I think voters should pay attention to what candidates say about school funding and supporting teachers. These decisions might not seem important to everyone at first, but they can make a big difference in the classroom.

Something else I realized is that elections affect college students too, not just younger students in elementary or high school. As someone attending college, I know how important things like tuition, financial aid, and educational opportunities are. Many students depend on financial assistance to continue their education. Changes in education funding and government programs can affect how much students pay for school and what resources are available to them. For someone trying to earn a degree and build a career, these things matter. This is one reason I think young adults should pay more attention to elections. Even if politics is not something they are interested in, the decisions being made can still affect their everyday lives.

I also think it is important for people to do their own research before voting. During election season, we see advertisements, campaign speeches, social media posts, and different opinions everywhere. Sometimes, it can be difficult to know what information to trust. Instead of simply listening to what other people say, I believe voters should take the time to learn about the candidates and understand the issues they are discussing. Looking at their actual policies and plans can help people make more informed decisions. Education is just one example of an issue that deserves attention, but there are many others that can affect our communities. Being an informed voter means understanding that our choices have an impact beyond election day.

In conclusion, learning about education during our class discussions made me realize how connected it is to elections. I used to think of education mostly as something that happened inside a classroom, but there are many decisions outside of school that help shape the experience students have. From school funding and standardized testing to college affordability and technology, elected officials have a role in many of these issues. I believe people should take elections seriously because the decisions made by our elected representatives can affect our lives in ways we might not always notice. Even if someone is not currently in school, education still affects their community and future generations. At the end of the day, voting gives us an opportunity to have a voice in the decisions that shape our future, and education is definitely one of the issues worth paying attention to.