A recent conversation reminded me that many of my neighbors have no idea that declining enrollment in schools was entirely predictable, but not inevitable. As Lilly St. Angelo’s recent story showed, it’s more than demographic changes affecting enrollment numbers. 

When I started teaching in the 1990s, the predominant mindset centered on the importance of student-centered learning. Teachers had the autonomy to teach things the kids found interesting and relevant while still meeting the state standards. Motivating students to be actively engaged in their learning was paramount. My goals each day were to inspire students and to pique their curiosity.

This all changed with the passage of No Child Left Behind in 2001, with its requirements around standardized test scores in reading and math.

As a result, the mindset in education became administrator-centered. Teachers were told that job one was meeting administrators’ goals regarding test scores. If it wasn’t on the reading or math tests, then it wasn’t important enough to be taught, so districts reduced or eliminated instruction in many vital areas — particularly art, civics and science. Students’ interests no longer mattered.

Students became disinterested and disengaged, because test prep is no fun. Behavior issues in classrooms increased, and it became difficult to inspire kids. 

Teachers became fed up with this shift. Consequently, in recent years, I witnessed many talented, hard-working, beloved teachers retire early or otherwise leave education entirely. I am now one of them.

Only recently have families had viable alternatives to neighborhood schools. Online and alternative schools have blossomed in the wake of COVID. Now that families have options, they are increasingly opting out of public schools, because they are fed up, too.

Returning to student-centered learning would boost enrollment numbers in spite of declining birth rates. Providing a well-rounded education for all K-12 students is critical, something that Lookout Eugene-Springfield has reported is not happening currently.

School needs to be more than test prep. Conducting and sharing the results of exit interviews of all disaffected staff, students and parents could help the new leadership in 4J, Bethel and Springfield change things for the better.

Mikell Harshbarger
Eugene