American schools are in crisis. There are a number of problems that exist in American schools today, associated with economic and social class, race, ethnicity, and gender issues. Although gender differences in classrooms have some effect on the quality of American education, they are not the main reasons why American schools are in danger. The most serious problems in the American education system are the barriers that students of lower classes and minority races face. In K-12 schools, standardized testing seems to be the only issue causing problems. In terms of college enrollment, funding is the most common reason that prevents lower-class and minority students from getting into college. In both K-12 and post-secondary schools, the lack of tutoring and available teachers has negative influences on students in terms of both academic achievement and social skills. Therefore, decreasing standardized testing, changing college funding, and increasing tutoring would be the three solutions that seem the most practical and reasonable in terms of solving these problems. Standardized testing is believed to be a method of encouraging students in grades K-12 to perform well in the academic environment. However, it doesn't do what it's supposed to do. In Peter Sacks' article, "Do No Harm: Stopping the Damage to American Schools," Sacks highlights the fact that standardized testing actually discourages student intent to study, especially for students who attend schools in school districts poor (44-47). . Lower class and minority races such as African Americans and Asian Americans are mostly found in those poor school districts. Due to low family income and tax rate, the school district is poor...... middle of paper...... education 78.3 (2009): 277-289. Premier of academic research. Network. May 3, 2014. Haveman, Robert and Timothy Smeeding. “The Role of Higher Education in Social Mobility.” Educational issues: Exploring education issues. Ed. Morgan Gresham and Crystal McCage. New York: Longman, 2008. 49-74. Print.Phillips, Michele. “Standardized tests aren't like T-shirts: One size doesn't fit all.” Multicultural Education 14.1 (2006): 52-55. Educational source. Network. April 13, 2014Sacks, Peter. “Do No Harm: Stop the Harm to America's Schools.” Educational issues: Exploring education issues. Ed. Morgan Gresham and Crystal McCage. New York: Longman, 2008. 37-49. Print.Tokarczyk, Michelle M. “Promises to Keep: Working-Class Students and Higher Education.” Educational issues: Exploring education issues. Ed. Morgan Gresham and Crystal McCage. New York: Longman, 2008. 84-92. Press.