Chapter 9: Purposes of America's schools and the current reform movement

What are the goals of America’s schools

To educate citizens for democratic participation, prepare students for the workforce, promote social and personal development, and ensure equality of opportunity

Why has school reform become a national priority

Concerns about educational quality, achievement gaps, global competition, and preparing students for a changing economy have made reform essential

What new school options are replacing the traditional neighborhood public school

Charter schools, magnet schools, virtual schools, homeschooling, and private school voucher programs

What are the advantages and disadvantages of teaching in a virtual school

Flexibility, individualized pacing, access to diverse resources, disadvantages are limited social interaction, technology access issues, challenges in student engagement

What are the characteristics of effective schools

Strong leadership, clear academic focus, high expectations for students, frequent monitoring of student progress, and a safe, supportive environment.

What are the roles of teachers and students in reforming our schools

Teachers act as innovators and leaders in adopting reforms; students participate actively in their learning and advocate for their needs

What are the unintended consequences of school reform

Increased inequality, teaching to the test, narrowing of the curriculum, and added pressure on students and teachers

What is the purpose of academic competitiveness in schools

To prepare students to compete successfully in academics both nationally and internationally

What is the purpose of academic curiosity in schools

To encourage students to ask questions, explore topics deeply, and develop a love for lifelong learning

What is the purpose of academic basics in schools

To ensure students master fundamental skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics

What is the purpose of work readiness in schools

To prepare students with the skills and attitudes needed for success in the workforce

What is the purpose of civic loyalty and responsibility in schools

To teach students the rights and duties of citizenship and to promote participation in democratic society

What is the purpose of social change in schools

To empower students to challenge injustices and work toward a better society.

What is the purpose of artistic creativity in schools

To foster imagination, self-expression, and innovation through the arts

What is the purpose of social mobility in schools

To provide education as a means for students to improve their economic and social status

What is meant by passing the cultural/historical baton

Schools pass down society's cultural values, traditions, and historical knowledge to new generations

What is acculturation in the context of schooling

The process by which schools teach students from different backgrounds the dominant culture's norms and values

What is the purpose of global knowledge in schools?

To prepare students to understand and engage with an interconnected world.

What is empowering the powerless through education

Helping marginalized groups gain skills, knowledge, and confidence to advocate for themselves and achieve equity

What is the purpose of ethical personal development in schools?

To develop students' moral reasoning and character, promoting ethical decision-making

What is service learning

A teaching method combining community service with academic learning and reflection

What is the purpose of schools providing child care

To support working families by offering safe and supervised environments for children during the day.

What is the purpose of charter schools

To provide innovative and flexible educational alternatives within the public system

How are charter schools funded

Primarily through public funding based on student enrollment, sometimes with additional private funds

What are the strengths of charter schools

Flexibility in curriculum and instruction, innovation, and increased parental choice.

What are the issues with charter schools

Mixed academic results, less oversight, and potential to divert funds from traditional public schools

What is the purpose of vouchers in education

To allow public funding to follow students to schools of their choice, including private schools

How are vouchers funded

Through public tax dollars redirected from public to private schools

What are the strengths of vouchers

Increased parental choice and potential for competition to improve school quality

What are the issues with vouchers

Concerns about draining public school funds, lack of accountability, and separation of church and state

What are the strengths of open enrollment

Provides families with more choices and pressures schools to improve

What are the issues with open enrollment

Can create overcrowding, exacerbate inequalities, and harm lower-performing schools

What are the strengths of magnet schools

Specialized programs attract diverse students and promote academic excellence.

What are the issues with magnet schools

High costs, possible segregation by ability, and limited access for some students

What are the strengths of virtual schools

Flexibility, individualized learning, and access to a wide range of courses

What are the issues with virtual schools

Lower completion rates, technology barriers, and reduced socialization.

What are the strengths of home schools?

Personalized education, flexibility, and closer family relationships

What are the issues with home schools

Limited socialization opportunities, varied curriculum quality, and heavy parental responsibility

What are the five factors of effective schools

Strong leadership, a clear school mission, a safe and orderly climate, monitoring student progress, and high expectations

What does strong leadership mean in an effective school

Principals and administrators who guide vision, motivate staff, and support student achievement

What does a clear school mission mean

A shared understanding among staff and students about the school's goals and values

What is meant by a safe and orderly climate

An environment where students feel secure, respected, and free to focus on learning

What does monitoring student progress involve

Regular assessments and feedback to ensure all students are learning effectively

Why are high expectations important for effective schools

They motivate students to achieve at their highest potential and promote a culture of excellence

Even though the Supreme Court decision in Zelman v. Simmons-Harris allowed the use of vouchers, some state constitutions restrict

public aid to private and religious institutions

What is a characteristic of magnet schools

They suffer from underfunding, especially when it comes to paying for transportation costs

What is a characteristic of charter schools?

They can be closed if they do not meet expectations

What is a zealot?

A person who is extremely passionate and uncompromising in support of a belief or cause, often showing intense enthusiasm or fanaticism

in the ______ case, the Supreme Court constructed clear walls limiting the use of public funds to support religious education

Lemon v. Kurtzman

What are green schools?

Schools designed to be environmentally friendly, focusing on sustainability by reducing energy and water use, improving indoor air quality, and teaching students about environmental stewardship

What are good schools

Schools that effectively promote student learning and development by having strong leadership, high expectations, a safe and supportive environment, a clear mission, and consistent monitoring of student progress

What is the Lemon Test

A rule from a court case that checks if a law mixes too much with religion. A law must (1) have a non-religious purpose, (2) not help or hurt religion, and (3) not get the government too involved with religion

What is privatization

The process of transferring ownership or control of services or industries from the government to private companies