HW 45

Hirsch's theory on education focuses on the development of the students mind at the elementary stages. He states that the romanticized theories on education that America has incorporated are the main faulty in the system. He believes that education should not be all based on the "how to" but more on specific facts that we should know as Americans. His theory values content over the actual process. The content that is absorbed by the student is much more important than how well the student can think. In a wikipedia article it states, "Hirsch portrays the focus of American educational theory as one which attempts to give students intellectual tools such as "critical thinking skills", but which denigrates teaching any actual content, labeling it "mere rote learning". Hirsch states that it is this attitude which has failed to develop knowledgeable students".

Sizer on the other hand does not support the "one size fits all" method such as standardized test taking. His ideas also go against the organization of grades based on age, since every individual's mind is diverse regardless of age. The theory did not necessarily contradict Hirsch's philosophy on education since their focuses were on opposite ends of the education process. Sizer focused more on how students should be by the time they graduate high school as to Hirsch who focused on building up the student in the earlier stages. Sizer valued opening of the mind in students and critical thinking.

The two's ideas contradicts each other intellectually but not emotionally since they both are trying to improve the education in America. They are both pointing out flaws in the education system, but are looking at different stand points in a students life. The two ideas definitely have a way of working out in sync since they do not seem to cross paths over the process of gaining education. Hirsch's idea can come into play during the students younger years then Sizer's theory can be used to enhance the student's ability to think and further an individual's intellect.

HW 44

President Obama's Speech

I find the point Obama makes to be quite reasonable. He states that every subject taught in

school does not necessarily have significance in all our lives, but it routes us towards talents that have

yet to be discovered in ourselves. I agree that the main point of school is not to determine whether

a student is smart or stupid. It determines the students will to try and the pursuit of success.

Especially since most kids are uncertain of their passions at a young age, elementary-high school

is like a core that everyone must grow off. Once they go off to college many are already focused on

future careers. Classes are specified in terms of majors and minors in which the student can pursue.

School is part of growing up that helps kids understand what they truly want in life, though some may

find it earlier than others, we all must have some sort of starting point.

Liberal Arts

I find the point of view that is issued in this article to be quite biased to those who are willing

to work under controlled jobs. Although I do agree that having diversity in skill is key to success

in many corporations but that only limits it to big industries and companies. Many smaller companies

have main focuses that require an individual to master a specialized technique. It seems like liberal

art education has its boundaries in terms of passion. Not everyone's passion is to become a very

sophisticated worker with moderately high skills in various fields.

Occupations like musicians or artists do not require the skill to take data and analyze or

construct a hypothesis. I find the limits that are put in liberal art education to be quite unappealing.

Seems like they hand us a role model to look up to in order to be accepted as "successful" in society

when that is not necessarily the key to what some people consider "success". It may make sense

from society's perspective but it does not benefit individual/personal goals in life.

Where the Bar Ought to Be

I agree 100% with what M. Kenny had to say about the quality of schools is not in the hardcore

curriculum but the passion in the teachers and students. A teacher that can open a student's eye

to true passion can make any students successful in one way or another. A sense of individuality

is something that is not valued enough in our lives. One of the causes for this I believe are how

schools are set up, and the competitive aspects of learning.

Students tend to compare themselves to one another. Instead of focusing on personal needs

they focus more on differences between other students and spend all their time focusing on how

they are viewed by others. How can you ever learn about yourself if you never monitor yourself?

As Ms. Kenny stated, "I raised them to be independent thinkers". What others think does not

matter in your life, especially at such a young age. To be proactive and search out passion is key

to happiness and personal success. The quantity of money should not overwhelm the quality of

the job to you personally.

HW 42

Part B

The main topic I would like to focus on during the unit of school is the financial aspects of education. In our society wisdom seems to be obtained through money, or at least the wisdom society wants us to have. In order to get top class education, we must pay. Whether its an Ivy League College or a private/independent high school, money talks. Though nothing can be done to change how schools work, I would like to dig deeper into the quality of the life rich private school kids live opposed to the middle class public school kids. The significant differences in the lives of students who rely heavily on money and the ones who rely on determination and willingness.

One reason why this question strikes me as significant is my life in elementary school. I used to go to PS6 on the upper east side, where everyone's parents made probably twice or three times more money than my parents. I didn't really realize this until I went to middle school, but the transition between PS6 and SOF was so mind blowing that I had a hard time easing into the environment. Coping with my old friends seem much harder than it used to be. Where they excessively use money like it grows on trees, I try to conserve as much as possible. Not only financial differences but the way they act, the way they live are obviously distant from me.

I find the social qualities in students to differ from private school to public which obviously means a difference in quality of life. Though they may be richer it does not always mean they are happier. I would like to find the sacrifices they have to make, the hardships and limitation they have to withstand. Or it may be possible that they don't face any hardships, who knows? Not necessarily to state which type of school is better, but to compare and contrast the lifestyles. To understand the pros and cons of both worlds.

HW 41

Toledano, Ralph D. "More Money Hasn't Meant Better Education." Web. .

This article pin points the financial aspects of education in America. We spend the most money on education in the world, yet the amount of money we spend is not balanced out with the quality of education. Also some schools give grades to manipulate the students emotions. Failing a student might "hurt their feelings".

Krinkle, Phil. "Does more money equal better education?" The Taxpayers League of Minnesota. Web. 01 Mar. 2010. .

This article focuses on the different alternatives of giving better education to younger students. Colleges are capable of giving quality education to classes as big as 100 students, why won't this work for high school students? Putting the spotlight on making class sizes smaller costs an enormous amount of money. Also the more teachers a school employs, the less they focus on the quality of education he/she can give.

"Private vs. public schools - Defining your ideal school | GreatSchools." GreatSchools - Public and Private School Ratings, Reviews and Parent Community. Web. 01 Mar. 2010. .

This article debates whether private schools or public schools give better education. Bottom line is that private schools offer more variety than public schools. Since public schools run under the rule of the board of education, they are set to teach with limitations. While private schools are capable of building up a more original curriculum. This does not necessarily mean private schools are better, they just have more responsibilities.

"Parenting - Private school Kids and Public school kids...Our experience... - Minti." Baby and Parenting Advice - parent to parent - Minti. Web. 01 Mar. 2010. .

This article is not professional, but it does show an important aspect of how finances affect students. In this lady's story, three young girls were caught fighting. One from a public school and the other two from private. The public school girl was blamed for the fight. This indicates a form of stereotype stating that private school kids are more "well behaved" which is not always the case. From the mass amount of money that is invested by these kid's parents, they also obtain a source of security and protection from society, but does not necessarily make themselves any better of a human being than kids from a public school.

"Public vs. Private Education." Broward County Public Schools. Web. 01 Mar. 2010. .

This is not a article, but a list of differences between public and private schools. One difference that stood out to me was.

"Public schools must accept any resident student who applies for admission, regardless of sex, race, religious affiliation, economic status or physical or mental handicap. Private schools can be selective in

choosing their students"

This states that private schools have the right to segregate which would not create a warm and welcome

learning environment for some people. Though we do pay to go to a private school, depending on the school

they may teach qualities of life that are false such as racism.