Poor Economics: Rethinking Poverty & the Ways to End it

by Abhijit V. Banerjee

we seem to be suggesting a two-tier education system—one for the children of the rich, who will no doubt get taught to the highest standards in expensive private schools, and one for the rest. This objection is not entirely unwarranted but unfortunately, the division exists already, with the difference that the current system delivers essentially nothing to a very large fraction of children. If the curriculum were radically simplified, if the teacher’s mission were squarely defined as making everyone master every bit of it, and if children were allowed to learn it at their own pace, by repeating if necessary, the vast majority of children would get something from the years they spend in school. Moreover, the gifted would actually get a chance to discover their own gifts. It is true that it would take some work to put them on the same footing as those who went to elite schools, but if they had learned to believe in themselves, they might have a chance, especially if there is a willingness in the system to help them get there.45 Recognizing that schools have to serve the students they do have, rather than the ones they perhaps would like to have, may be the first step to having a school system that gives a chance to every child.