Key Characteristics:
* A Nation at Risk: The year 1983 saw the publication of "A Nation at Risk," a highly influential report that criticized the declining quality of American education. This report highlighted concerns about falling test scores, inadequate teacher training, and a curriculum perceived as lacking rigor compared to other industrialized nations. It fueled a wave of educational reform.
* Back-to-Basics Movement: In response to "A Nation at Risk," and pre-dating it to some extent, there was a growing "back-to-basics" movement. This emphasized a return to fundamental skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic, often at the expense of more progressive or exploratory educational approaches.
* Tracking and Ability Grouping: Students were often tracked into different academic programs based on perceived ability. This meant students were often placed in separate classes based on perceived aptitude, which could lead to unequal educational opportunities.
* Limited Technology: Technology in schools was minimal. Computers were expensive and rare, primarily found in higher education or specialized programs. The use of technology in classrooms was largely in its infancy.
* Teacher Shortages: Certain subject areas, especially math and science, faced teacher shortages. Teacher salaries were often low, leading to difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified educators.
* Standardized Testing: Standardized testing was already in place, but the emphasis on testing and its use in evaluating schools and teachers was growing, partly as a response to the concerns raised in "A Nation at Risk."
* Desegregation Efforts: The struggle for school desegregation continued, though significant progress had been made since the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling. However, de facto segregation (segregation in practice, even without explicit laws) persisted in many areas.
* Curriculum Content: The curriculum varied considerably across states and school districts. While some schools were experimenting with more progressive teaching methods, the majority still followed a more traditional approach.
Important Context:
* The Cold War was still a major factor influencing educational policy, with concerns about competing with the Soviet Union in science and technology.
* The economic climate impacted educational funding.
* The civil rights movement and its legacy continued to shape educational opportunities and equality.
In short, the education system in 1983 was a system facing considerable challenges and undergoing a period of significant re-evaluation and reform, largely spurred by the concerns highlighted in "A Nation at Risk." The changes it precipitated would shape education in the decades to come. It's crucial to remember that this is a generalized picture; significant variations existed across different regions, schools, and student demographics.