With the importance of education being emphasized in our technologically advancing society, the next president of the United States faces an education system in need of drastic reform to continue to compete in the world market. Education standards between wealthy and poor areas of the country continue to remain drastically unequal in their scope, and it is vividly apparent that education standards must be reformed to ensure all students are offered the same opportunities for academic and economic success. The major question is, which of the two candidates, Al Gore or George W. Bush, has the correct game plan and ideology, to ensure future success for America’s children.
In comparing Al Gore and George W. Bush on education reform, the two men differ substantially on how education should be overseen in general. Al Gore favors national government supervision of education and its funding, curriculum, and accountability, while George W. Bush is pushing for a laissez faire or “hands off” federal government that would keep control of education in the hands of local government, where it has traditionally been. Read more…
In 1629, a group of non-Separatist Puritans left England because of religious persecution. With a royal charter from the Massachusetts Bay Company, they aspired to create a society in Massachusetts that would be a holy model for the rest of the world. The ultimate goal of these people was to serve God through religion, commitment to work, and even worldly pursuits. Throughout the seventeenth century, the Puritans succeeded in creating a model society, at least to some degree. Despite failures such as the Salem witch trials, they made great strides in the development of democracy, capitalism, and education.
The Puritans of New England were united under a common purpose. In the words of Massachusetts Governor John Winthrop, they wanted their society to be “as a city upon a hill,” a model for all of mankind. It was the duty of each member of the community to uphold strict moral standards and to make sure that others did as well. And while the idea of servitude to God helped maintain order in the Puritan society, it is unfair to think that they were a completely sanctimonious people. Pleasure, including sex, was allowed in moderation and even celebrated. Read more…
What does it mean to be educated? Does being educated confide solely to the development of knowledge or skill by formal schooling? I don’t believe school is the sole basis of an education. I believe a person is educated throughout their life. A person is educated by their parents or guardians throughout life on what is ”right “ or “proper” according to their culture, peers, media, and surroundings. A person can be educated through life experiences, formal schooling, or by trade. A person does not become and educated person simply by attending formal schooling. A person becomes and educated person by learning to think. One who has the ability to say “yes” or “no” on the basis of logical thought is an educated person.
An education is learned throughout life. Many disciplines bestow an education on a person. Life experiences is one such discipline that can bestow and education on a person. Through these life experiences a person can learn many important lessons about life and daily living that is not taught in books. As a mother, father, or guardian we are also educators to our children. An education starts in our very own homes. We teach our children love, respect, honesty, as well as their first word and their first step. We bring them to a whole new journey in life when we enroll them into formal schooling. Where the focus is on reading, writing, arithmetic, and history. But, just as important in formal schooling our children are also learning to interact with their peers and fit into society, a very important life lesson. Read more…
What is the end of education? Through the eyes of Rodriguez and Emerson, one may see two very unique perspectives in response to this question. Similar only in nature, in that both Rodriguez and Emerson believe there exists something capable of hindering one’s education, their beliefs differ to some degree. The differences between the two derive from their own definitions of what dominant and non-dominant culture truly is. Furthermore, they both reached point of self actualization, realizing that education, in some ways, can do more harm than good.
Rodriguez made his ideas on the end of education apparent in his writings. In fact, those are the words he chose to end his essay, “The Achievement of Desire.” He says, “…I remember with my parents, growing older – before I turned unafraid to desire the past, and thereby achieved what had eluded me for so long - the end of education.” Upon close examination of Rodriguez’s essay, one may find clarifying information on his views of education. Throughout his scholastic years, Rodriguez looked up to his teachers; they were his idols. He would only read books his teachers recommended and even then, only the difficult ones. Rodriguez enjoyed reading, not for pleasure, but simply because he lacked a sense of self. “Merely bookish, I lacked a point of view when I read. Read more…
Social status plays a pivotal role in this country. It is difficult for many people, especially immigrants, to get the right kind of education to boost them up the ladder of success. Jean Anyon, author of “The Hidden Curriculum of Work” spoke of how the quality of education is out of balance in our society. In my opinion, there exist three obstacles that Americans commonly face that inhibit them from a quality education. These include under representation, adaptation to the U.S. education system, and financial instability. Is quality education for everyone or just for the wealthy?
Students from a lower social class in America are continuously under represented. In fact, one out of every five pursues a higher form of education after high school. Issues such as immediate financial need persuade students to seek early employment. Hence, most end up in careers such as auto-mechanics or construction. Cost of studying and being in debt are also concerns because they prohibit these students from going to universities or colleges for higher education. The few who make it to a University or college are overwhelmed by the long work hours to help pay for their food and tuition. Therefore, they have little time to study, which affects their grades negatively. William Zinsser said in “College Pressure”, “I see four kinds of pressure working on college students today: economic pressure, parental pressure, peer pressure, and self-induced pressure.” Read more…
