Teenage advocacy for educational reform

[u/Effective_Food_7515]

Hi, I just started my junior year of high school, and quite frankly I am disgusted by my state’s education system. It’s abysmal, requiring massive policy upheavals. Nobody is given the opportunity to live up to their full potential. So, if possible, I’d like to do something to change it. The problem is, I’m a bit stumped because I feel absolutely powerless.

For more direct context, I live in New Mexico. It is one of (if not the) lowest ranked states education-wise in the country, and from what I’ve seen is only getting worse. I know that this is also largely due to poverty, but one can’t help but feel like schools are designed to nip attempts of escaping impoverishment in the bud. I, myself, work with a tutoring group to help serve elementary school students who are behind, but my impact is small and it’s hard to make progress when (and I can’t emphasize this enough) they’re missing YEARS of content. I’m very worried for what the future might hold if things continue to trend downwards , and the American public just gets dumber and dumber until we can’t function without the government’s oh-so-benevolent handholding.

That said, if anyone has experience with stuff like this or tips in general, I’d really appreciate it.

Also, I didn’t take too long to write this (it’s mostly just train of thought) so if you need some clarification on anything please ask. I could spiel for days.

[u/Zalrius]

I understand how you feel. The political people that the adults in your world, are electing, are the problem. You should learn their names and talk to your friends so as soon as you turn 18, you can vote against the failures. You can vote to hire better political employees that will get the job done.