Alyssa Bursott
Dr. Stephanie Spars
SOC 150 - Social Problems
April 29, 2016
American Education The United States is an international powerhouse. Having the fifth largest economy in the world is no easy feat (Hess). However, America lags behind many nations when it comes to education. On average, twenty industrialized nations have better math and science scores than the United States (Wilde). People may ask, “If the nation is so successful, why are students so far behind?” The answer lies within a unique educational experience that creates inequality amongst students. The education system in America has many interesting characteristics. Schools serve as a conservation system for society. Students are taught to believe in the government. Materials …show more content…
There are three important elements of mass education. First, “Mass education is institutionally chartered to be universal, standardized, and rationalized (Boli 147).” Every student is given equal opportunity and treatment. Another piece of mass education is homogeny and collectivization (Boli 148). Teachers are instructed to teach certain material, and they are not permitted to stratify their classrooms. Finally, the last part of mass education is expected to charter individual socialization. While schools teach certain topics, it is the responsibility of the student to apply their knowledge and behavior in society (Boli 149). Mass education in the United States benefits children because education is key in being successful in modern society. However, this causes some students to attend school simply because they are told to, rather than because they desire knowledge. Even with this motivational setback, “85.6 percent of Americans over the age of 25 were high school graduates [in 2010] (Eitzen 403).” Therefore, mass education does influence society, whether students are willing to accept the opportunity to learn or …show more content…
Many educators feel that in order to have a successful learning experience, “subordination of individual needs” is necessary (Eitzen 403). Schools operate based on time of day, making clock a control factor. Another way that school officials maintain order is by expecting all students to follow behavior and dress codes. These rules cause less creativity and expression within schools, a key aspect of conserving society. Finally, schools are controlled by an out-of-date calendar year. Many people believe that a September to May school year was determined by the agricultural society. However, this does not make sense. The two most important times of year in farming are the spring and the fall. This school schedule puts children in school during these crucial periods. Many agricultural societies held school for a winter term and a summer term. The current system was adopted due to extreme summer heat. Upper- and middle-class families left the sweltering temperatures during the summer, making it the most logical time to dismiss school (De Melker). All in all, order is extremely important for the American education system. Fragmentation is a common characteristic of school systems in the United states as well. Private schools, homeschooling, and charter schools create alternative courses of learning. However, these methods deviate from mass education that is encouraged by society. Vouchers are another piece
Dr. Stephanie Spars
SOC 150 - Social Problems
April 29, 2016
American Education The United States is an international powerhouse. Having the fifth largest economy in the world is no easy feat (Hess). However, America lags behind many nations when it comes to education. On average, twenty industrialized nations have better math and science scores than the United States (Wilde). People may ask, “If the nation is so successful, why are students so far behind?” The answer lies within a unique educational experience that creates inequality amongst students. The education system in America has many interesting characteristics. Schools serve as a conservation system for society. Students are taught to believe in the government. Materials …show more content…
There are three important elements of mass education. First, “Mass education is institutionally chartered to be universal, standardized, and rationalized (Boli 147).” Every student is given equal opportunity and treatment. Another piece of mass education is homogeny and collectivization (Boli 148). Teachers are instructed to teach certain material, and they are not permitted to stratify their classrooms. Finally, the last part of mass education is expected to charter individual socialization. While schools teach certain topics, it is the responsibility of the student to apply their knowledge and behavior in society (Boli 149). Mass education in the United States benefits children because education is key in being successful in modern society. However, this causes some students to attend school simply because they are told to, rather than because they desire knowledge. Even with this motivational setback, “85.6 percent of Americans over the age of 25 were high school graduates [in 2010] (Eitzen 403).” Therefore, mass education does influence society, whether students are willing to accept the opportunity to learn or …show more content…
Many educators feel that in order to have a successful learning experience, “subordination of individual needs” is necessary (Eitzen 403). Schools operate based on time of day, making clock a control factor. Another way that school officials maintain order is by expecting all students to follow behavior and dress codes. These rules cause less creativity and expression within schools, a key aspect of conserving society. Finally, schools are controlled by an out-of-date calendar year. Many people believe that a September to May school year was determined by the agricultural society. However, this does not make sense. The two most important times of year in farming are the spring and the fall. This school schedule puts children in school during these crucial periods. Many agricultural societies held school for a winter term and a summer term. The current system was adopted due to extreme summer heat. Upper- and middle-class families left the sweltering temperatures during the summer, making it the most logical time to dismiss school (De Melker). All in all, order is extremely important for the American education system. Fragmentation is a common characteristic of school systems in the United states as well. Private schools, homeschooling, and charter schools create alternative courses of learning. However, these methods deviate from mass education that is encouraged by society. Vouchers are another piece