ARED 2110: School Models

The purpose of a school is NOT easily defined. I think with a question like that the answer can vary drastically from person to person. To me it has several purposes..

First and perhaps most importantly, the school should exist to help children grow and discover their own purpose and passions. During childhood years, kids should not be pressured by teachers or peers into personalities that are "popular." They should be able to explore and discover themselves. Secondly, it is the role of the school by definition to educate the next generation of americans to compete and thrive in the world. I also believe that is an important purpose of schools, but also one that is commonly remembered. Last but not least I also think the school exists to an extent to increase the cultural interactions of children but also the patriotism of America. Hopefully upon graduation students have grown into a person they can be proud of both culturally aware and educated to a high degree with goals and plans for their future.

Per Teachers, Schools, and Society there are "two fundamental, yet somewhat anti ethical, purposes of all schools." (Sadker & Zittleman, 2010) I think both major purposes of schools outlined are crucial, it is the purpose of the school to transmit knowledge and culture while also allowing students to reconstruct society. I attended a public Title 1 elementary school in rural North West Georgia. Though many would think that was a problem, or not the best. I feel some of the most valuable character building and basic education I received was while I was at Fairmount. Fairmount Elementary despite its mostly lower class students received the highest test scores and ratings in the county, arguably because of the administration and teachers.

Though the popularity of charter schools may be increasing, I tend to have a negative outlook on them. However pure the intentions and concept may be, in my experience charter schools largely are business ventures only interested in profit. They also have the right to choose who they admit, leaving room to discriminate against students with disabilities or racial differences. All while taking money from the public schools, since they get money for each child that enrolls. Ultimately the charter schools take money from the public schools while having the option to not accept students that would cost them more money (like those with special needs.)

I do believe the idea of school choice does eliminate the monopoly many schools have over parents and children while it is a very important way of challenging the school to "out teach" other schools. Another school form worth exploring is magnet schools that cater to certain subjects. If the children that attended magnet schools later obtained careers with the specialized knowledge gained in their elementary and secondary education, society and the workforce would be ahead.

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References:

Sadker, D.M, & Zittleman K.R, (2010) Teachers, Schools, and Society:Ninth Edition. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill

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