How American Schools Changed and Why It Matters to Me as an Accounting Student (part IV- Nayely N)

In the 1950s, public schools in the United States were no longer allowed to be segregated. This was a big step toward equality. But ending segregation also caused problems. Some people did not like the changes. When schools started moving students around to create more diverse classrooms, some families got upset. Many white families moved away to avoid integration. This was called “white flight” (School, pp. 168–170).



Even in 1980, schools were still not completely equal. People were still talking about fairness in special education, women’s rights, and race. Experts said these talks were important for a healthy democracy (School, p. 170). At the same time, the number of non-white students was growing. Schools had to figure out how to support all students fairly.

During big changes in the economy, schools started to focus more on job training. This happened in the late 1800s during the Industrial Revolution and again in the 1900s when the United States was competing with countries like Japan and Germany (School, pp. 173–176). Business leaders wanted schools to help create skilled workers. Schools started offering classes in things like mechanics and design. By 1930, many cities had special programs that taught real-world job skills (School, pp. 175–176).

In the 1980s, a report called A Nation at Risk said that schools in America were falling behind. The report warned that this could hurt the country’s future. Because of this, schools added more testing and made graduation harder (School, pp. 184–187). Schools began working more like businesses. They focused on results and performance (School, pp. 177–182).

My Family's School Experience

I saw the school system from different sides because each of my siblings went through a different path. My brother went to a vocational school and studied HVAC. He was not always the best in regular classes, but hands-on work is his thing. Now he has a real career and loves what he does.

My sister went to a charter school, and to be honest, it was a hit or miss. Like I said last class, sometimes her teachers seemed like random people off the street. It didn’t feel organized.

I went to a public school. To me, it felt like the school system cared more about looking good than actually helping us. I think I took like 20 standardized tests. That was their way to show off numbers. Still, I didn’t give up on myself. I stayed after school, did independent work, and asked for help from teachers who actually cared.

Spanish is our first language, so we had to work extra hard. My sister has great vocabulary moments but also struggles. My brother is not great with books, but he can fix almost anything. We all learn differently, and I think schools should understand that better.

Charter School


Votech School


Perth Amboy High School










How School Budgets Matter and Why I Care as an Accounting Student

All these changes cost money. Schools need to pay teachers, buy materials, and fund special programs. As someone studying accounting, I want to understand where school money goes and how it can be used better. Some schools spend on tests, while others need funding for good teachers or supplies (School, pp. 193–196).

Accountants help make smart choices with money. In schools, that means helping students, not just chasing numbers. Budgets should support student success, not just school image.



Conclusion

Public education is always changing. Each system has pros and cons. From my brother’s trade school to my sister’s charter school to my public school experience, I saw it all. As an accounting student, I would like to help schools manage money in ways that support real learning, real teachers, and real futures.

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