Essay on The Purpose of a Public School Education

As an educator, living in a country where public schools are not as praised, or in the eye of the public, are not as strong as they are in other countries, I constantly ponder about the question: what is the purpose of public school education? Lots do not contemplate about the purpose of public schools, forgetting that this question is probably at the base of all schooling. As I started to dig deeper into this topic and really think about the purpose of public school education, I took to my fellow colleagues to ask them what they think it is. The results of our discussions and conversations were astounding, and I realized that many teachers never really took the time to think about this. Their definitions about education in itself, as†¦show more content†¦Unfortunately, many believe that what it means to educate is to train students in the main subjects, such as Math, Science, English, and History. However, I believe that our society is much more complicated than what is covered in these subjects. I also believe that it is not only ineffective to force students to learn, but it is also unjust. Most people believe that the need for a strong public school system is for social justice. They believe that the system molds citizens into democratic citizens. Indeed, all that was mentioned are wonderful goals, but the reality of the public school system does not reflect this â€Å"ideal school system†. Once we delve into the depths of most public school systems we do not find a system that promotes democracy. Instead we find an organization that is outdated, constructed on social hierarchies, that disregards everything we know about effective organizations and cognitive development. We find an institution that disempowers people, forcing them to do things against their will; all while stressing that it is for their own good. If a â€Å"modern-day† democratic societ y is a society in which people are collectively in control of their lives and of their community, then our â€Å"modern-day† public school system is indeed anti-democratic. (Loder, 2006) IShow MoreRelatedThe Purpose Of Public School Education1678 Words   |  7 PagesThe purpose of public school education is to provide students with the tools and skills to continue to higher education, and to help them pursue their goals and dreams in life. It is meant to provide inspiring, positive and culturally affirming experiences that make students excited to learn and succeed. While many students are prepared properly in public schools, this is not true for all. For several students, education is not stimulating, and is dull and boring, or perhaps provides negative andRead MoreThe Purpose Of Public School Education1894 Words   |  8 PagesThe purpose of public school education is to provide students with the skills necessary to continue to higher education, and to help them pursue their goals and dreams in life. It is meant to provide inspiring, positive, and culturally affirming experiences that make students excited to learn and succeed. While many students are prepared p roperly in public schools, this is not true for all. For several students, education is neither stimulating nor engaging. Recognizing that there are flaws in theRead MoreUnderstanding the purpose of american public education Essay1062 Words   |  5 PagesUnderstanding the Purpose of American Public Education American public education has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past several hundred years. 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Mann also had ideas on topics which one considers today to be controversial. The public should take into account what Mann’s ideas were on theseRead MoreExploring the Conditions Purposes of Public Schools: Are Schools Simply Used to Create a Well-Trained or Well-Educated Workforce?811 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is the purpose of schools? Some would say the purpose of schools is to create a well trained workforce, others to prepare students to become democratic citizens. This essay will examine not only the current conditions of public schools, but also what their primary purpose should be. After having read several articles on the inequalities of schools I would have to say, using Jean Anyons terms, that the affluent-professional and executive elite truly benefit most from public schooling.Read MoreThe Poet Of Our Dreams Essay1513 Words   |  7 Pagesof a test, when we questioned the purpose of school. 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