Modern school reform's biggest hurdle: too much emphasis on one teacher
- James Rawls

- Aug 28, 2022
- 1 min read

One of the most significant hurdles I observe in modern school reform is the emphasis placed on a single teacher to educate a pool of 15-24 students. Of course, the student-to-teacher ratio varies, but I often think about how many challenging issues can be complex for one person to bear when the situation is not properly resourced.

Consider the elementary level: teachers usually take on the planning and instructing of all subjects for their students. At a minimum, that's four core subjects. If the teacher wants a class of 20 students to have a differentiated lesson plan, at minimum, they need to create 80 different lesson plans (20 for each subject area) to satisfy every student's needs. This is only academic planning. Another component of classroom management is where the teacher adjusts the classroom environment to address the needs of a wide range of students. What can we learn from using automation to strengthen teachers, so they can focus on their core duty, teaching? I think we are in a time where those making educational decisions should embrace the fact that technology implemented in the correct manner has the capacity to promote a more efficient environment. An environment where teachers are more efficient and timely in adjusting to the needs of each individual student.
I believe that artificial intelligence can enhance the ability of teachers to help their students achieve their full potential. For example, A.I. could be harnessed to track students' progress and recognize areas where students might need additional support. Additionally, A.I. could be used for individualizing recommendations for resources that benefit student learning.




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