Methinks that Mann’s objectives for the common school were a bit lofty! The teacher should have been paid a huge salary to attain all those goals. However, we are still viewing similar issues today. The public school is responsible for training children in academics, social niceties, manners, cultures, languages, exposure to politics, and address needs of poverty with school breakfast and lunch programs. There continues to be a separation of social classes. …Private educations are seen as more valuable than public school educations.What I always thought was interesting is how private schools boast of attaining these goals. However, if students do not follow their rules and expectations, are they not expelled…and sent to public school? I wonder if the changes that are now occurring in the state of Ohio will leave the public school a dumping ground for the have-nots in our society. At least government-sponsored education creates an opportunity [imperfect as it is] for all children.
I believe that the ultimate aspiration of bringing cultures together continues to unfold. Change occurs at a snail’s pace. It is interesting that this school debate is occurring before the Civil War and the goal was to ensure that the Anglo-American culture would ultimately become stronger that other cultures. It took another 100 years for Brown v Board of Education (1954) to make its way into history. It took another 10 years for integration for the schools in my city. Without the Brown vs Board of Education ruling, the US would look very different now. Separate institutions would have yielded separate thoughts and lives. People learn to accept and love new people by developing friendships. Without integration of the schools, this social assimilation would not have occurred.
I agree with you completely that common school for all would greatly improve the system.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think it would be almost impossible to convince policymakers of this. The concept almost seems socialist, which to many is unAmerican. Americans like the idea that we can work hard and move up in life. We like that idea that we may be able to send our kids to better, more prestigous schools. I wonder how people would react if we took that away from them.
Just something to think on,
Chrissy
I completey agree that all those goals were great in theory but maybe just a little too much. I think education can help with some of the issues that society faces but certainly not cure them all.
ReplyDeleteWhen I came to U. S. I could not understand how in a powerful country such a problem with education could exist. I stayed for longer and learned that this country went through a long history of discrimination and racism. Schools were separated, based on race, gender, and social status. Even now, some public schools are better than others are. Schools in richer states, counties, or regions have newer equipment, better choice of classes and extra curriculum, higher percentage of graduates…
ReplyDeleteIn the country, where I grew up, there were many wrong ideas, understanding, and approaches. However, what I think was good – everyone got education. There was a common system of education such that any child all over the country could get a free and appropriate public education, regardless of the social-economic status, gender, or race.
I hope that one day all of the problems with education would be solved, so that everybody could effort proper high-quality education.
It was not that long ago, when public education system was segregated. Thankfully, after many years of hard work of the members of the Civil Rights Movement, it was called unconstitutional and people got the opportunity to succeed. It is very important for any society to realize the mistakes they make and try to correct them. Furthermore, it is our job to learn from those mistakes and make sure they are not repeated in future.