The Purposes of Education

Flashcards covering key concepts from lectures on the purposes of education, achievement gaps, educational theories, and reform.

Achievement Gap

Persistent disparities in educational performance measures among student subgroups based on socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, gender, etc.

Opportunity Gap

Refers to the unequal or inequitable distribution of resources and opportunities.

Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF)

Controls most school funding in California, determined by Average Daily Attendance and Base Rate.

Hidden Curriculum

The implicit lessons taught in schools that reinforce social norms, often unnoticed.

Functionalism

A theory that views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and social order.

Conflict Theory

A Marxist-oriented perspective that sees the driving force of change as the struggle between different groups for power and status.

Meritocratic Educational Equality

A principle where opportunities and success depend solely on effort and talent, not social class background.

Culturally Embedded Assumptions

Deep-rooted beliefs about learning and education that hinder reform.

Signaling Theory

The idea that education serves as a signal to employers regarding a candidate's potential ability or productivity.

Senge's Reflections

Insights on how historical assumptions about education persist and affect contemporary practices.

Democratic Equality

An educational goal aimed at promoting effective citizenship and relative equality among students.

Charter Schools

Public schools of choice that operate under a charter and have more autonomy regarding instruction and governance.

Educational Reform

The process of changing educational policy, structure, and practice to improve learning outcomes.

Social Mobility

The ability of individuals to move up the social ladder, often linked to educational attainment.

Human Capital Theory

The idea that investments in education improve individual productivity and economic outcomes.

Asymmetric Information

A situation where one party has more or better information than another, affecting decisions in the labor market.