While not a universal truth from the dawn of our nation (I believe Mass. had the first public school program and that didn't come about until the 1800s), the concept of a right to education seems indelibly marked on our national identity. Even though the Court has ruled that education is not a fundamental right, it's viewed as a right in its own accord. The essay question for you today is as follows:
To what extent is there a right to education? As free public education is granted by the State, and regulated by the Federal government, how should those entities control what students learn in public schools, or what students should learn in general? Should education be restricted to what a government might term "essential," say the three Rs? Or should education be more encompassing, a more rounded composition? Should education even be a right? Should it be viewed as a privilege, something that should be taken away by those who don't respect it? How much should education be regulated, if at all?
This is a multi-layered question that could pose many interesting answers. Be thoughtful, creative, and consider what people write. I look forward to your responses.
1 comment:
Hard question. I guess the core value I would hope to preserve would be equality of opportunity. Do I think the three Rs would accomplish that? Probably not. We in the US have a long history of people pulling themselves up by their bootstraps. If we want to keep the whole idea that you can be anything if you work hard enough, I think education is essential. Personally, I say lets teach kids how to think and problem solve beyond reading and writing. Give someone a fish and they have dinner, teach them to fish and they have dinner for a lifetime.
Post a Comment