This chapter is very important because it puts the responsibilities of schools in a different perspective. What are the responsibilities of our schools? Some agree that institutions are responsible for preparing students for the vocational world after graduation. Others may argue that school is responsible for preparing students to move onto higher learning institutions. I believe that a schools' main goal should be to prepare their students for the real world. After graduation, students should know what it takes to be positive members of society and they should be properly prepared for their careers. Ultimately, schools are responsible for 'passing on society's baton' (the knowledge and values of our society) to growing students and for preparing students who will be capable of changing what our society has become.
As diverse as most of America's students, so are the schools and how they are organized. The Choice Concept allowed parents to decide what school they saw fit for their child. This gave way for schools to strive for better test results and student behavior. It also called for teachers to become better prepared to teach their classrooms. Parents were considering all of these factors and more when deciding on a school. Magnet schools were ideal for students who had exceptional talent or huge interest in a certain subject area. For example, students who were interested in music had the option to attend a school where the core curriculum is based around music. Open enrollment closed the doors on the restraint that students must attend the closest public school. This allowed full free choice to parents to decide where to send their child to school in the public school system. Vouchers allowed parents to 'shop' for schools. The school would turn over the voucher to the government, and the school would then receive a fixed sum back. Charter schools are given permission to be open for a fixed period of time. If the school is successful, the charter can be renewed. Online schools are on high demand. Many Americans are now finding it much more convenient to do things from home, and the internet gives way to a whole new realm of learning. The internet has also given teachers more freedom in choosing resources for their classrooms.
The evolution of America's schools has boomed in recent years with the technology age. I believe that schools will continue to change with the times, as they should. In the end, freedom of choice in where to attend school should remain for all students and parents. As schools change with the times, so should the curriculum used in the schools. I will be discussing curriculum next class. See you then!
