Education as a Social

Institution

History of Education
Formal education began in the seventeenth century as a religious duty.
New England's Puritan settlers (upper-class) tutors to teach their children how to
read, write, math, prayers and poems.

Gils were taught rudimentary subjects and household chores.

English Grammar schools emerged in the 1700s. Which led to males attending
college.

By 1840s education become public and elementary education (free) become a social
norm and law by 1918.

Educational System in the U.S

Pre-primary Ages 2-5 years, Child/Daycare, Preschool
Primary Ages 6-11 years , Kindergarden-5th grade
Junior/Middle School Ages 11-14 years , 6th-8th grade

High school Ages 14-18, 9th-12th grade

Post-secondary education
Vocational/technical
Bachelor Degree
Masters
PhD degree

College

Why is Education is important ?

Education is the foundation for a better future.
The most education a person has the more job opportunities they will have ,
resulting in higher income.

Education is rewarding for both students and teachers/professors.

Students learn academics and skills(Social) needed for their careers /future.
Teachers/professors give back to their to their community and put into practice their
expertise .

For the educational system to function government officials ,community members ,

parents , students and teachers have to work together.

Benefit of Education

Improved human rights

Women are in power Positions
Reduced societal violence
Promotion of a national (as
opposed to regional or ethnic)
identity
Increased social cohesion

Lower fertility
Improved child health
Preventative health care
Demographic transition

Improvements in
productivity
Economic growth
Reduction of intergenerational cycles of
poverty
Reductions in inequality

Role of Public Education in our Society

In the 21st century education is view as a necessity rather than an option.
Higher education is expected to form a society of different professions.
Education serves as a socialization agent where students are taught practical
knowledge of a certain field and expand knowledge about global issues.

Education is view as a competition for the job market therefore there is

some inequality in the education system.

How has Education change ?

The curriculum has change to matched the skills needed for the 21st century.
Expansion of educational programs ex: Avid , Advanced placement, Honors
Society, college prep

STEM fields are encourage because those fields are underrepresented especially for
low-income and minorities .

Evaluating students performance by using standardized curriculum

Technology plays a huge role of how we learn in the classroom ex . Use to ipads ,

smart boards (interactive lessons), internet can have information in seconds; less of
textbooks

Causes of Change in Education

Offer opportunities for people to choose their career/skills acquire for 21st
century

Integration of schools has resulted in schools to appeal to diversity .

Get more people to contribute to society .Women are the most enrolled in
college because in the past they didnt the right to .

Educational Standards are strict for everyone to have equal "access to

education .

Features of Education that hasnt Changed

Using the same mythology of teaching.
15,000 students dropped out, pushed out, failed out, suspended out, or just
left out from the system.

Low-income and minority African American males are the highest risk to
drop-out and end up in prison.

Creating and maintaining a curriculum that challenges students for practical

life skill.

Inequalities in the Educational System

There is an educational achievement gap among low-income communities
and wealthier areas.

Wealthier areas receive more funding therefore offer their students more
academic programs , additional instruction in music , arts and sports, have
qualified teachers and full equipment for science labs and sports .

Low-income communities have higher rates of violence and crime therefore

suffer from psychological problems that could impact their performance in
school . Ex: drop-rates , low scores , disabilities

How to Improve Education

Focus on schools with low test scores and provide additional resources for
example tutoring services .

Schools and parents should work together to improve students learning .

Improve schools buildings to make it a learning environment. Examples :
Colorful wall, display students work , fix building repairs to prevent hazards.

Hire more teachers in order to reduce class size

Provide current technology , textbooks, new material

Sources

http://www.chesapeake.edu/Library/EDU_101/eduhist.asp

http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/functionalsim_education.htm
http://www.activistpost.com/2010/09/4-reasons-to-change-way-we-view.html
http://www.activistpost.com/2010/09/4-reasons-to-change-way-we-view.html
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/385002/inequality-education-kevin-d-williamson
http://www.vsointernational.org/images/how-can-we-improve-our-school-part1_tcm76-3
http://www.warriorlibrarian.com/LIBRARY/innovate.html8166.pdf