Module 1 Blog

     

    Based on Part I of the book and what we discussed as a group, ranking of words, phrases, and sentences, I believe that on the surface, public education mostly unifies the United States. As mentioned in the introduction, “Schools are the most familiar of all civic institutions. You find them in city slums and leafy suburbs, Appalachian valleys and mining towns high in the Rockies” (Pg. 1). Early on stating that in the essence of all civilizations, the education system has always been integrated. As one of the early stages of public schools becoming dominant, the public “formed the most decentralized system of school governance in the world.” (Pg. 4.). This meant that rather than the school being managed through federal means, the state would prevent government-distrusting, and tax-pinching actions as matters would be handled locally (Pg. 4). This is one of the first signs of public unification caused by the chase of proper education offered to the children. Another instance is based on a quote from Nicholas Lemann, “ it impresses on you the precariousness of this basic idea that we take for granted, that all citizens have an obligation to reach into their wallet and pay for children to be educated even if they’re not their own children.” (Pg. 30.). This complicates things further as it implies the increased availability of education to children, but then when Horace Mann’s annual reports of the school’s conditions are released, it makes those who pay the taxes wonder how expensive is it to fully support the educational system. Some of the things addressed on the dividing factors of the United States through public education have been things affecting the environment for many years and will continue to do so. Before naming some of these factors, the author brings up the idea of hindsight and how based on previous experiences, failings, and experimental experiences, we can form a better environment today. These factors are competing, legitimate values, local, central direction, diversity, standards, liberty, and equality. These are the major factors that potentially hold back and limit the former and pose a challenge to the current public education. And so the goal being pursued to change public education first analyzes the previously mentioned factors, in order to make a “more equal, inclusive, and effective kind of education.” (Pg. 17.)

    School has shaped and defined the lives of not only the American public but as well the public all over the world. Many cultures have prioritized and made it clear for the pursuit of education and discipline leads to success. For me, the biggest impact has been my active access to information. Since young, I have always been keen on the pursuit of knowledge, which had a huge impact on my idea of ‘The American Dream’. As mentioned previously in the Literacy History assignment, I was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States when I was seven. And so this idea of ‘The American Dream’ continued to motivate me to be the best I can, which in turn temporarily improved my studies. And so my life so far has consisted of education and preparing myself for a future where I can take advantage and fully utilize my opportunities.