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Public Education Essay

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Public education in itself is predisposed to be diverse in some shape, whether it be economic, academic, racial or social status, anything public is considered colorful in attribute. The American school system is diverse in itself, for example the educational culture in the East coast is far more revered and acknowledged to the public rather than the midwest. These differences cannot be glossed over, they need to be acknowledged with the respect. I believe the purpose of education is to address the world’s inequalities and differences, and as a society grow and learn from them. I will draw on the Rubin, the Anyon, and the Lee articles to support my argument. Rubin focuses on both tracking and detracking, and defines tracking as “the sorting and grouping of students for instruction based on assessment of academic ability” (Rubin, 4). It is arguable that tracking students plateaus some students, and make the elite even more elite, however the intention of tracking is to create an appropriate yet challenging educational environment for the student. Conversely, detracking is stated as “an attempt to group students heterogeneously as a means of ensuring that all students, regardless of their race or class background or their academic ability, have access to high-quality …show more content…

In this essay, the author

  • Argues that the purpose of education is to address the world's inequalities and differences and as a society grow and learn from them.
  • Explains rubin focuses on both tracking and detracking, and defines tracking as the sorting and grouping of students for instruction based on assessment of academic ability.
  • Analyzes how anyon regards the "hidden curriculum" as an unspoken set of standards and manners in a classroom setting. no learning can be exchanged without established rules.
  • Argues that public funded education is a culture in itself, and the school must educate students with different backgrounds. lee analyzes the asian-american "model minority" and its supposedly positive light.

No matter how much people vouch for peace and world equality, there is no utopian solution. Anyon regards the “hidden curriculum” as an unspoken set of standards and manners in a classroom setting. Hierarchy is always prevalent, as Anyon states that there will always be a school that’s better off than the rest, or a boss who will always linger over your shoulder at work. No learning can be exchanged without established rules, just as there are rules in everyday life. Education can create that middle ground of acknowledging these inevitable divides, and properly execute them by “exhibit[ing] good design and (this is important), they must also fit empirical reality” (Anyon,

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  • Difference Matters Summary
    analytical essay
    Labaree discusses how the United State’s education is in a school syndrome, as people in America want schools to teach society’s ideals as well as let people express their individuality. These two demands are polar opposites that cannot be achieved. As the focus goes towards balancing these in hopes of improving society as a whole, the bettering of actual student learning is put on pause. Labaree talks about the beginning of education reform, in the 19th century, being the most successful in developing society; however, as education reform continued throughout time, its effectiveness wore off. He then addresses how the desire for education reform is more about improving society than it is about learning. He finishes his argument by providing possible solutions to fixing this problem, but states that fixing this problem will never happen because no one is willing to give up both demands. Overall, Labaree goes in wonderful detail explaining the problems of education reform. What made me choose this article was that he addressed the desire that people have on school systems in promoting both society normality and individuality. This correlates well with my topic in whether public school systems promote conformist ideals or individuality.

    In this essay, the author

    • Explains allen, brenda j., difference matters: communicating social identity, long grove, il, 2004.
    • Analyzes how brenda allen discusses the importance of identity in an individual and in society in her book, difference matters.
    • Analyzes jennifer cannon's article, "lack of diversity in local schools up for discussion." free press, kinston, nc.
    • Analyzes how the free press article discusses the lack of diversity in public school systems and the need to change this dilemma.
    • Opines that "can somehow improve society, promote access, and preserve advantage." journal of curriculum studies 44.2 (2012): 143-163.
    • Analyzes how david f. labaree discusses the united states' education in a school syndrome, as people want schools to teach society's ideals and let people express their individuality.
    • Analyzes how farhi, paul, "flunking the test: the american education system has never been better, several important measures show." american journalism review 1 (2012): 26.
    • Analyzes how paul farhi's article was interesting because it talked about public school systems from a different point of view than they anticipated.
    • States guild, pat burke, "diversity, learning style and culture." http://education.jhu.edu/
    • Analyzes how pat guild's article talks about the issue revolving around educators' beliefs that all students can learn the same way.
    • Explains that fairfax county schools pass 'gender identity' policy at odds with decision in gloucester.
    • Analyzes how frances hubbard discusses in his newspaper article gender identity policy passed by the fairfax county school system.
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  • Racism in Tracking
    analytical essay
    Ideally, the education system in the United States aims to serve as the great equalizer in the constant struggle to counter decades and centuries of historical oppression against those of non-European descent. The ideology of education as a great equalizer purports a pedagogy as a starting point for those oppressed and separated by such forces as race and class to have access to a quality education, and hence an equal chance at all the US has to offer. It attempts to bring children from disparate realms in a place that serves them all equitably. This ideal constantly challenges the broader values of equality, liberty and democracy considered to be at the core of American ideology. In interpreting this conception, two questions are indirectly answered by examining our educational practices: Does equality in education simply foresee that all students are treated the same, despite their different needs? Or, does it intend to challenge and rectify past inequalities for a truly equitable educational system?

    In this essay, the author

    • Analyzes how the disputing force mirrors the striations in society where only those born into privilege have access to quality education and life opportunities.
    • Analyzes three ideological socio-economic forces that shape the way we educate children in this country.
    • Argues that the concept of who can learn informs the ideology of education as the great equalizer in a fundamental way.
    • Analyzes how the notion of who can learn infuses the ideology of education as a gatekeeper in its contrasting view that students' abilities, motivation and aspiration are fixed attributes over which educators have little control.
    • Opines that this notion of who can learn fails to take into consideration that we must constructively deal with individual differences whether they are environmental or innate.
    • Argues that education as the great equalizer acknowledges and challenges the scarcity of resources as a myth of society that hurts children.
    • Analyzes how the notion of who deserves resources is challenged by the implementation of education as a gatekeeper and its relation to how resources are distributed.
    • Argues that the us is a racially-conscious society in which those with white skin are afforded power and privilege. the majority of decision-making power for education is in the hands of elite whites.
    • Analyzes how the promotion of dominant white ideology is evidenced on the decision-making level by the normative stance it takes, where all others are considered deviants and granted less privilege to determine their academic destiny.
    • Argues that whiteness infuses the educational system by ignoring the needs and even the existence of non-white populations.
    • Analyzes how the ideology of education as a great equalizer challenges the broader values of equality, liberty, and democracy.
    • Argues that an unequal education system cannot be solved through a handful of well-intentioned small-scale programs.
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  • Analysis Of The Brown Vs. Board Of Education
    explanatory essay
    Education in the United States is necessary for a good quality of life and the ability to have a good job to support yourself and your family. Through the history of the United States, however, equality and even equity in education has been a bit difficult for everyone to achieve. For example, the case of Brown vs. Board of Education, people were fighting for schools to be integrated because the white and affluent children got to go to the more prestigious schools and got the better education and therefore had a better way of life. On the other hand, African American children weren’t given such good advantages in education and way of life. Parallel to then, today, schools are integrated but some schools aren’t given as much attention as some

    In this essay, the author

    • Explains that education in the united states is necessary for a good quality of life, but equality and equity in education have been difficult for everyone to achieve.
    • Explains that the birmingham civil rights institute article is about the sixtieth anniversary of the brown vs. board of education. birmingham is a nice place, but there are also places that could use some help.
    • Opines that schools should be stricter about what they let kids get away with and more strict about the quality of teachers allowed to teach.
    • Explains that anonymous donors give money to schools to help their technology and amenities, but most of those donors pay the schools that don't need as much help. christopher whitfield graduated from those schools and is now an engineer.
    • Opines that education in the united states is the most important concept to help history never happen again and to get the future to look brighter. involvement of parents and teachers will get education reformation further.
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  • Compulsory Education Essay
    explanatory essay
    What’s the effect of compulsory education in China Children are important because they are the future of a country. So, education for children is necessary and compulsory education can make sure most of children can be educated. In the past, Chinese didn’t have enough money to execute compulsory education. After doing much effort, compulsory education was executed in 1986. The compulsory education system causes many effect and issues.

    In this essay, the author

    • Explains that children are important because they are the future of a country and compulsory education can make sure most of children can be educated.
    • Explains that the first period of chinese compulsory education (between 1986 and 2007) had a big problem-----it was not free.
    • Explains that the second period of chinese compulsory education has improved a lot about payment but still have some issues about fee.
    • Explains that the first kind of inequality is the inequality between cities and countries. after 1945, china sacrificed the benefits of villages to help develop cities.
    • Explains that the budget for village compulsory education had a tendency to go down. between 1997 and 1999, the middle schools budget decreased from 10.8% to 9.4%, and the primary school budget declined from 20.8% and 19.94%.
    • Compares the distribution of educational resources, basic facilities, and cultural resources in different regions of china.
    • Explains that the difference between normal and key schools is a vicious spiral.
    • Explains that china is still a developing country with many issues such as low average gdp. the most important thing for chinese government to do is not extending compulsory education to twelve years.
    • Explains that china's situation doesn't satisfy either of the two factors. the average gdp and the proportion of educational input over the overall gdp are important.
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  • The Furture of the U.S. Education System
    opinion essay
    After much consideration I’d venture to say that three things that we do really well in the U.S. Education System are as follows: our responses to differences in the classroom, the fact that we have a free and accessible public education for all individuals regardless of religion, race, or economic status, and our ability to pursue a higher education. While I trust that as educators we could all benefit from a more extensive training in particular areas-- I do believe it is commendable how well we respond to the varying aspects of our classrooms including: inclusion, multicultural education, multiple intelligences, and differentiated instruction (Sapon-Shevin, 2013).

    In this essay, the author

    • Opines that the u.s. education system does well in three areas: inclusion, multicultural education, multiple intelligences, and differentiated instruction.
    • Opines that the top three priorities for the future of the u.s. educational system should be: the rebirth of a values-based education, the adoption of an "whatever it takes" attitude, and improved teaching training with increased salaries.
    • Opines that the u.s. education system should focus on a values based education. lickona states that fewer students come to school with an attitude of respect toward adults.
    • Opines that schools can make a positive impact on children's lives regardless of extenuating factors. lickona states that early indicators are hopeful when it comes to the effectiveness of the new efforts in values education.
    • Opines that the future educational system needs to model itself after finland's schools and adopt a "whatever it takes" attitude.
    • Opines that there is a need for improved teacher training. while they trust their undergraduate studies, they are still not certain that they entered the classroom with the knowledge they feel they should have.
    • Opines that a shift in teacher training would naturally increase ability and confidence in the classroom. hancock (2011) boasts that teachers are given identical rank with doctors and lawyers.
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  • Education, Opportunity, And The Power Of Social Classes
    analytical essay
    In Jonathan Kozol’s article, Still Separate, Still Unequal, he states that segregation is still present in today’s schools. Not in the sense that the government requires black and white children to be in separate facilities, but in the fact that black children come from different socioeconomic backgrounds than white children causing them to live in separate areas, go to separate schools, and get a eduction that differs in quality. While visiting a few inner city minority schools, Kozol came across a classroom where the mission statement which states values and priorities of the school is “to develop productive citizens” (Kozol 466). There was a signal that the teacher would give to the classroom, and the students would repeat the signal back to the teacher. The teacher turned and looked at Kozol and said “I can do this with my dog.” (Kozol 466). Kozol and Anyon have the same opinion on what curriculum quality is like in differ...

    In this essay, the author

    • Opines that education is a requirement in the united states, and that all children should have the same chances of succeeding in life.
    • Analyzes how jonathan kozol and anyon have the same opinion on curriculum quality in different schools.
    • Explains that students learn one procedure to do a type of problem, and that any other way is wrong. the "executive elite schools" taught students to analyze and think logically about the problem.
    • Explains gregory mantsios' article, class in america, that america is a very strongly class based society, and it is difficult to climb the social class ladder.
    • Analyzes the relationship between wealth and education opportunity. kozol, anyon, and mantsios agree that our schools are segregated, but not because of social issues.
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  • Formal Education Essay
    analytical essay
    While social class may have some effect on how one may view schooling and formal education, it would not be fair to say that growing up or being in a lower class living situation depreciates the value that one has for school. In many instances, it is assumed that because a person comes from a lower-class background that not only are their values for school lower, than those of higher class, but their education levels and ability to handle and process situations are placed on a lower level as well. While these are indeed horrific stereotypes and generalizations, the idea is perpetuated throughout, primarily, Western culture. It is just simply illogical to believe that one 's education will be taken for granted due to their socio-economic class

    In this essay, the author

    • Argues that it is illogical to believe that one's education will be taken for granted due to their socio-economic class and/or their financial difficulties.
    • Opines that one's appreciation of school and education cannot be measured by economic standing, but instead, can be gauged by the effort those attending educational institutions put into it.
    • Argues that people in lower class are less likely to attend institutions for formal education due to the high cost in expenses. however, society has deemed them less "intellectual" or even completely "unintelligent."
    • Argues that a person's "true" knowledge is based on what was taught in an educational setting. they argue that people with "street smarts" are those who live in lower-income families.
    • Opines that those who live in lower-income households may place a higher value on schooling because it opens up the opportunity for them to gain formal education on the things they like.
    • Explains that sonia sotomayor, the first latina supreme court justice, was raised by a widowed mother. she studied at princeton university and yale law school.
    • Analyzes how society vilifies people who aren't in the upper-class. government cuts off some of the funding for "inner-city" schools.
    • Argues that society has unjustly placed stereotypes on a wide range of people. the belief that one's appreciation of formal schooling and education is less than another’s due to financial status, is completely preposterous.
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  • The History of American Public Education
    analytical essay
    Tyack, David B. Seeking Common Ground: Public Schools in a Diverse Society. President and fellows of Harvard College, 2003.

    In this essay, the author

    • Explains that after the american revolutionary war, the people of the united states were responsible for determining the best course of action within the new republic.
    • Explains that george washington set the standard for all presidents. he was concerned with the preservation and perseverance of the new republic.
    • Explains that washington saw the necessity of a uniting education for the military especially. this education focuses on the science of government and military training.
    • States that thomas jefferson recognized the necessity for education as a form of national improvement. like roads and canals, schools would unite and improve the nation.
    • Opines that the people alone can protect us against these evils. the tax paid for this purpose is not more than the thousandth part of what will be paid to kings, priests & nobles
    • Opines that education would cost money, but its preventative measures against tyranny would perpetuate the union, which is of paramount importance.
    • Analyzes how jefferson portrayed his understanding of why the u.s. needs education, but the need for education should have a plan for how to incorporate academics in the american system.
    • Opines that jefferson had a plan for how the schools should run, and states that if the legislature added to that, it would set agonizing at once and forever maintain an system of primary or ward schools and an university.
    • Explains that jefferson was wary of the risk of a centralized government and wanted to prevent the federal government from obtaining too much power.
    • Analyzes how benjamin rush, a founding father from philadelphia, wrote extensively on the importance of education in the u.s.
    • Analyzes rush's argument that it is necessary to be educated more than any other form of government. rush stresses the importance of patriotism, or a bias towards the u.s.
    • Explains that rush believed in the necessity for a uniform system of education to instill homogenous ideas in people for peaceable government.
    • Recommends that children be taught to read and write english and german languages, and use of figures. parents who can afford to send their children from home may remove them from the free school to the country academy.
    • Explains that rush's plan encompasses every stage of a child’s development and included colleges and universities with the free schools.
    • Opines that the same systems of grammar, oratory, and philosophy will be taught in every part of pennsylvania.
    • Explains that this system of education did not exclude any part of an education, as every facet is important to the development of patriotism in a child.
    • Analyzes rush's argument on the importance of religion in the republic. he argues that religion and the practice of virtue are fundamental principles of a republic, which allows an individual to govern himself.
    • Analyzes how horace mann developed a public education system in massachusetts during the jacksonian era.
    • Analyzes how mann's argument for education is similar to the others by focusing on the necessity of education for the nation to succeed.
    • Analyzes how mann, in guiding the development of education, was concerned about who should take responsibility for the free school institution. he recognized that the federal government was not given the provision to make decisions regarding public education.
    • Analyzes how mann, unlike washington, jefferson, and rush, used his platform for education against the institution of slavery.
    • Explains that washington, jefferson, rush, and mann agreed on the reason to implement public schools. they understood that without education, the republic would fall to tyranny.
    • Analyzes the differences between the four men's stances on education. washington believed the only way the government could provide education for its youth was through a military academy. jefferson saw the free education system as the responsibility of the states.
    • Cites adams, henry, the education of henry adams. new york and london: g.p. putnam's sons.
    • Cites mann, horace, the common school journal and educational reformer, and russ, benjamin, thoughts upon the mode of education proper in a republic.
    • Cites washington, george, "eighth annual message of george washington." yale law school lillian goldman law library.
    • Cites the encyclopedia of the united states in the nineteenth century, published by charles scribners & sons, and collins reference.
    • Cites messerli, jonathan, mudd, and tyack, david b. seeking common ground: public schools in a diverse society.
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  • The Importance Of Segregation In The Brown Vs. Board Of Education
    analytical essay
    Tracking in school allows for students below the line of average to be pushed from one grade to the next without meeting the standards. This has been happening in school all over the nation since integration has begun. Oakes wrote her article for the reader to understand the background of tracking but as well to understand the harm it can do for the student. The student, in the end, is getting an inadequate education because they are never challenged. The schools know that “ability differences among students were a legitimate basis for educational and social sorting” (Oakes, 2009, p. 5). These schools are the ones that are less likely to support Detracking because tracking allows for their system to operate.With the system the school has put into place minority students have learned that need to “act white” (Oakes, 2009, p. 6) in order to be perceived as intelligent otherwise they are written off. These minority students have to fit into a mold to reach a high level of education which eventually widens the achievement gap. In Oakes article, teacher state that within four days without an assignment they can tell who will succeed and who will be passed along. Less than a week into school teachers already know the fate of their students and many don 't do anything to help change their

    In this essay, the author

    • Analyzes how brown vs. board of education transcript validates the reason for eliminating segregation. it has roots all the way back to the discovery of the new world.
    • Explains that brown vs. board of education made the nation proud of improvement until the improvement of equality reached their communities. the fight for desegregation had many failed experiments due to communities lack of support.
    • Analyzes how desegregation caused uproars and chaos throughout the nation. brown vs. board of education transcript states that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.
    • Analyzes how jeannie oakes (2009) brought to the surface the problems of student tracking. tracking allows for students below average to be pushed from one grade to another without meeting the standards.
    • Explains that brown vs. board of education has been the keystone for educational reform. landon- billing (2004) stated that it is "...an important symbol that continues to shape contemporary ideas about justice, equality, and the power of the supreme court."
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  • The American Education
    explanatory essay
    Politics and business influence have been a long term problem for the establishment of a free and fair education opportunity. America has been called ?the melting pot? of the world, meaning that within the nation live such an abundance of individuals from different aspects of life. Within the world, we find some societies less fortunate than other societies. Economic diversity is present within the United States as well. It is commonly understood that the wealthy are becoming better educated than the poor, and similarly that the wealthy have a better chance to survive in the economic growth of today?s society.

    In this essay, the author

    • Explains that the american educational system has undergone much transition in response to our changing society. the segregation of races, religions, social classes, and politics has created numerous problems in the education system.
    • Explains that religion played a major role on the educational system in the sense that all types of religious groups were represented, but they were challenged with how they could be loyal to their religions beliefs.
    • Explains that politics and business influence have been a long-term problem for the establishment of free and fair education opportunities.
    • Analyzes how joel spring's book, american education, uses several examples of the politics and economics surrounding education.
    • Explains that the american education system has continued to evolve with some new curricular modifications. in 1992, the 'children of the rainbow' curriculum was introduced in new york, which required elementary schools to teach tolerance towards gays and lesbians.
    • Explains that the head start program provides early childhood education to economically disadvantaged children, allowing them to compete on equal terms with other children. equal opportunity is a goal which continues to be addressed.
    • Opines that the no child left behind act is the most significant development in the american educational system. president bush believes that education should prepare children for jobs and provide them with necessary life skills.
    • Explains that educators are faced with social, political, and economic challenges of the 21st century. the wealthier cities have higher-class public schools and private schools.
    • Explains that teachers must be educated in many languages. the no child left behind act and the english language acquisition act of 2001 both propose bilingual education.
    • Explains that the individuals with disabilities education act emphasized the need for children with disabilities to be put into regular classes, rather than being segregated into?special needs? classes.
    • Opines that multicultural education in schools is a 21st century goal because multicultural, ethnocentric, bicultural, and bilingual education will become increasingly important with the global economy and internationalization of the labor force.
    • Explains that racism is often thought of as whites oppressing people of color, but this definition has brought up many problems. racial differences lead to violence in school systems.
    • Explains the rise in violent acts in schools since the early 1990's, citing the columbine high school incident, where 2 students killed 12 students, 1 teacher, and 23 students wounded.
    • Explains that columbine was the most serious terrorist act on a school in history, though there continue to be other acts of violence within the educational system.
    • Explains that violent crimes occur in school in part due to the accessibility among adolescents to weapons, and the media's portrayal of violence.
    • Opines that after reading joel spring's book, and reflecting on some of the issues facing our schools, it is apparent that our educational system requires much attention among our nation?s leaders.
    1841 words
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