← Back to Vol. 04 Issue No. 02 — June
Abstract
Cuba is a country with high poverty yet supports a strong educational system. A closer look at the Cuban educational system in comparison to the United States yields some interesting results. With the improved relations between the US and Cuban governments, US policy could be affected by the success of the Cuban educational system. This paper looks at the strengths of each society, comparing and contrasting them. A recent development of improved diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba has brought renewed public interest to focus upon Cuba. The progress between the two countries has provided opportunities for educational travel to Cuba. Having recently visited Cuba on an educational trip, I was able to observe some schools in Havana and speak with a teacher, parent, and some students. My impressions have stuck with me, so I thought to share them with other educators. First of all, everything in Cuba is run by the government. It is after all a communist country. All signage and advertising is government propaganda. Even the schools are run by the government. The Cuban government requires every child ages 6-16 to attend school. Similarly depending upon the state, children in the US must attend school from ages 6-16 or in some states until18 years old. The Cuban government reports that Cuban schools are the best in the Caribbean Islands. Even the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported that nearly 100% of students in school have graduated each year from 2009 to present. UNESCO also reports that virtually 100% of Cubans are literate. About 10% of Cubans have a bachelors’ degree, 3% earn a masters’ degree and less than 1% complete a doctoral program. According to the US Department of Education, as of 2012-2013 we have a significantly lower graduation rate at about 70% nationwide. In suburban areas the rate is likely higher and in urban areas, the rate is typically lower. The Census Bureau reported that approximately 30% of Americans over the age of 25 hold a bachelors’ degree, more than 10% earned a graduate degree, and nearly 2% hold a doctoral degree. In America, we claim that the federal government imposes regulations and the state legislatures pass statutes that impact public schools, often without the funding necessary to carry out the new requirements. However, in Cuba the government fully funds the schools. Yes that means 100%.