Tuesday, May 7, 2013

The Neglected Purpose of Education | toteachornototeach

The Neglected Purpose of Education | toteachornototeach:


The Neglected Purpose of Education

The Neglected Purpose of Education 

by Jack Jennings
“To prepare all citizens to become responsible members of a democratic society”
“To develop socialization and citizenship skills in children”
“Preparing students for responsible, productive citizenship and imbuing them with values common to one democratic society”
These similar phrases were developed by diverse groups of citizens in three communities — Berwyn, Illinois; Chicago; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, respectively — to describe what they saw as a basic mission of public education.
These conclusions emerged from 72 citizens’ forums held in all regions of the country in 1996 through 1998 by the National PTA, Phi Delta Kappa, and the Center on Education Policy. Their purpose was to encourage local