Unknown Variables

The public education system is a very tricky equation, one in which the variables are clearly identified but are simultaneously dependent. There is no simple solution or derivative, which can measure the changes in a function, the success of the public educational system. The government controls the budget and public policy, but with individual interests competing with the political polarization of Congress and other current pressing issues things get swept under the rug. Even if public education is discussed, the opinions of Congress are diametrically opposed in an environment void of compromise. Teachers are a subset of the budget and government, but they are an unknown factor as well. The strengths, passion, dedication and training of teachers widely vary, especially across the nation. Areas dominated by low socioeconomic status families have the short end of the stick. Teachers and the budget can impact the outcome of the equation, however, students are immensely important to their own education as well. Students have to put the work in to master multiplication tables and understand the differences between constitutional monarchies and democracies. Granted these are elementary level subjects, nevertheless, with each succeeding level of education comes more complex material and more responsibility for the student. With all of these dependent variables there is no one size fits all solution, which exponentially complicates public education policy. How can social justice for the future generations be preserved if there is such inequality in the public education system? What do you think is the biggest determinant of success: students, teachers or governmental policy?