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Essay Subject: Widespread dissatisfaction of citizens, students, teachers & possible reforms. Content revision, parental involvement, vouchers, educational technology, violence, teacher isolation.... More...

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Paper Abstract: Widespread dissatisfaction of citizens, students, teachers & possible reforms. Content revision, parental involvement, vouchers, educational technology, violence, teacher isolation. Paper Introduction: The purpose of this research is to examine the widespread dissatisfaction of citizens, students and teachers with the present public school system and to describe various proposed reforms, including content revision, parental involvement, vouchers, and educational technology. As the school system became increasingly institutionalized and omnipresent during the past century, criticism of it from all those concerned has also grown rapidly. Supported by taxpayers and the receptacle for millions of involuntarily attending children, the school affects nearly everyone to some degree. Its faults and failures are apparent and equally far-reaching although the solutions are less obvious. Citizens, and parents in particular, have leveled several criticisms at the public school system in the past decades. As Text of the Paper: The entire text of the paper is shown below. However, the text is somewhat scrambled. We want to give you as much information as we possibly can about our papers and essays, but we cannot give them away for free. In the text below you will find that while disordered, many of the phrases are essentially intact. From this text you will be able to get a solid sense of the writing style, the concepts addressed, and the sources used in the research paper. Tyler, R. Computers, television, radio, and other devices provide "asuperior delivery system, greater individualization . Shesuggests an increased participation by citizens in curriculum planning,personnel selection standards, pupil policy and budget development (Meyer,1981, pp. Bills (1982, pp. Meyer (Eds.), Education in the 8 's:Curricular challenges. V. By not addressing thisfactor nonwhite students frequently adopt a negative self-concept thatinterferes with their academic and emotional growth (Bills, 1982, pp. Many authorshave noted the disadvantages of forcing students to remain in school untilthey are 16 years old. 65-68) students' primarycomplaint was that teachers were either secretive or dishonest about theirexpectations. 198-199; McGuire, 1981, pp. L. 65-68). Theseand other efforts at reform will undoubtedly be attempted as all of thoseconcerned continue to try to better the educational system and relieve itscurrent state of crisis. Rubin, L. 182). 1 6-1 8). Grand Rapids, MI: William B. 11:3) has reported that the "Media Now" program has beensuccessfully developed for the gifted, who are too often bored with regularteaching methods. (Rubin, 198 , pp. As Paynter (198 , p. Although these tests are revised, the general conclusionis that while students are in school more hours than in earliergenerations, they are learning less. McCarthy, R., Oppewal, D., Peterson, W., & Spykman, G. "The impact of technology on curriculum." In L.V. As these issues are publicized students themselves have begun tovoice their own criticisms of the school system. Edinger, P.L. While teachers talk to one another and to the principal, it ismost often a social or commiserating interaction rather than a helpful oneon a practical basis. Following the sixth grade students and theirfamilies would be provided with counseling to help them choose anappropriate, voluntary schedule of college preparatory or vocationallyoriented schools and classes. H,. The role of citizen participation in the schools. He recommends that careereducation provide realistic and appropriate training and that a program bedeveloped that guarantees each graduating student a job (Husen, 1979, pp.175-176). Students resent the lack of trust, respect and attention they receivefrom many teachers (House & Lapan, 1978, pp. Thislack of discipline engenders an environment of fear that makes it difficultfor both teachers and students to adequately do their work and contributessignificantly to the teacher burnout syndrome and to student stress (Bills,1982, pp. W. During the preceding decade there have been demands fora return to "basics", which consists of an increased stress on reading,arithmetic and language skills, and a reduction in time spent on arts,physical education, science, social science, and other, non-basic subjects. L., & Weinberg, L. San Francisco: Far West Laboratory, 198 . Woodbury, M. Teachers themselves recognize various problems within the educationalsystem. Supported by taxpayers and thereceptacle for millions of involuntarily attending children, the schoolaffects nearly everyone to some degree. Washington,DC: Acropolis, 1982. 11)and Weinberg and Weinberg (1979, pp. These widespread criticisms have resulted in numerous proposed andattempted reforms. Both Paynter (198 , pp. 154-156;Paynter, 198 , p. The school in question. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 198 . Paynter, D. Paynter (198 , pp. Rubin(Ed.), Educational reform for a changing society. The main criticism of these efforts is that they aregenerally limited to young or handicapped children. 118-123) carries this idea furtherto suggest that all elementary schools be reorganized so that they areadministered and controlled by a citizen council of seven members which isadvised by trained administrators, teachers and others. Critical issues in educational policy. Portland, OR: Multnomah P,198 . More radical reforms have gained popularity recently. D. As the school system became increasingly institutionalized andomnipresent during the past century, criticism of it from all thoseconcerned has also grown rapidly. 16-23). Ithas been estimated that at least 25 percent of students are inadequatelyeducated (Husen, 1979, p. In a study by House and Lapan (1978, pp. G. Meyer (1981, p. Houts' & D. Citizens, and parents in particular, have leveled several criticismsat the public school system in the past decades. With the expansion of lifelong or adultlearning programs students would always have the opportunity to alter orresume their educations course if an initial decision was regretted. The purpose of this research is to examine the widespreaddissatisfaction of citizens, students and teachers with the present publicschool system and to describe various proposed reforms, including contentrevision, parental involvement, vouchers, and educational technology. Bills (1982, pp. Boston: Allyn &Bacon, 198 . Its faults and failures areapparent and equally far-reaching although the solutions are less obvious. New York: Oxford U P, 1979. Meyer, D. They are functionallyilliterate or are incapable of preparing a resume, writing a check,comparative shopping, understanding a rental contract, or otherwiseunprepared for the responsibilities of adulthood. 99-1 ). High school has become a college preparatory institution, largelyignoring the needs of the large percentage of students who do not continuetheir formal education at college. High school graduates frequently are unable to find employmentbecause they do not have adequate job-seeking or specific vocationalskills. Too often students view schools as prisons withteachers that are "inflexible, irrational, autocratic" and seem like"omnipotent guards, malicious and sometimes brutal" (Weinberg & Weinberg,1979, p. They complain of boredomwith classes and instructors that have little relevance to an age ofincreasing dependence on technology and science (Husen, 1979, pp. V. Washington, DC: National Education Association, 1981. Meyer (Eds.), Education in the 8 's: Curricularchallenges. Currently parents using privateschools must continue to pay taxes to support public schools so the privateschool option is limited to those in the higher economic strata who canafford to pay both educational costs. F. InL. Far West Laboratory;(198 , p. Survival in the classroom. 412). By the time children reachsecondary school they are aware that teachers have different styles andvalues, yet when, at this level, they attend five different classes a day,teachers rarely honestly explain their attitudes towards behavior,assignments, grading, tardiness, or other relevant factors. Boston:Allyn & Bacon, 1978. The educational gapbetween children of higher and lower socioeconomic groups could bedrastically reduced so that educational, and, consequently occupationalopportunities would be closer to equal for all children (McCarthy, Oppewal,Peterson, & Spykman, 1981, pp. Concerning the problems with discipline and communicated by bothstudents and teachers, several programs have been suggested or implementedon a limited basis. V. Washington, DC: National Education Association,1981. References Bills, R. Weinberg, R. Far West Laboratory. 65-66). 129-141, pp. 15 ) recommends that citizen groups be incorporatedinto the development of educational plans on an equal basis with thetrained administrators, rather than simply in an advisory capacity. 411). 217-218) also proposes that teachers providean opportunity for students to honestly offer suggestions and opinions, askquestions, and provide feedback to improve the classroom operations and thepersonal relationships of those involved. 152-157) and Bills (1982, pp.223-226) recommend that compulsory education end at the sixth grade, whenstudents would have attained competence in the basic subjects. Educational technology can be used for all students, but its drillingand repetitive functions have been particularly effective with students whorequire additional practice in certain skills areas. The most significant of these have been in the area ofcontent revision. Teachers can treat students as ignorant and irrationalannoyances, often criticizing a pupil's work, character or opinions withlittle regard for the child's feelings (Weinberg & Weinberg, 1979, pp. Anychildren not mastering these skills would remain in school until they had,or until it was obvious that they were not able to attain competency inthese areas at this time. Edinger, P. There are very feworganized programs for involving citizens with the education of olderstudents or with educational planning. There are few who feel satisfied with the present public educationsystem. Basics schools and basics curriculums have been implemented throughout thecountry with various rates of success (Far West Laboratory, 198 , pp. Probably the major criticism by teachers, as well as citizens, is theincreasing violence in schools. 12). By eliminating the specializationof high school that requires students to interact with five or moreteachers each day, rather than only one, a personal relationship candevelop more easily between the teacher and students. Others have insisted that career skills be added to this basiccurriculum. 59-6 ) have noted, student achievementscores on nationally standardized tests are decreasing and have been foralmost 2 years. Husen (1979, pp. 131; Tyler, 1978, p. 42 -422). Various factions are insisting on the inclusion of a moreobvious and central multicultural emphasis that provides students withknowledge, understanding and pride in non-white cultures (Rubin, 198 , pp.42 -422). A second type of content revision has been demanded by students andcitizens, although it is less vital and more easily enacted than back-to-basics programs. Houts, & D. 174-188). McGuire, W. L. Too often students are assigned to classes byadministrators or parents and are unable to feel involved or to beconcerned. Washington, DC: National Education Association,1981. "Teacher stress and burnout." In L. home-centeredinstruction, and more flexibility" and can "systematize learning and reducethe errors stemming from human inconsistency and imprecision," according toRubin (198 , p. Husen, T. Husen (1979, p. Or failure? H. V. A teacher who invited opinions or suggestions would verballyattack the student who actually offered any. Many citizens, teachers and parents who are displeased havesuggested reforms which address revision of content, fuller utilization ofeducational technology, improvement of interpersonal communication andinteraction, eliminating compulsory attendance before the age of 16, andthe implementation of a voucher system to increase accountability. Must our schools die? 81, pp. A third criticism of educational content that has emerged is thatstudents are taught with a bias that blatantly or subtly ignores thecontributions and values of the many nonwhite cultural and ethnicbackgrounds of the U.S. Boston:Allyn & Bacon, 198 . Meierhenry, W. 152-155). "Who should determine instruction?" In L. 9 ). There are few areas where a teacher is provided withpractical suggestions for dealing with a specific academic or behavioralproblem. Walker, D. "Education: Past, present and future." In L. Parent prerogatives. By providing students with an opportunity for activeparticipation the relevancy of education to their lives would be increased. . 218-221)further recommends that pupils, particularly at the secondary level, sharethe responsibility for their education. There are also complaints that large percentages ofhigh school graduates do not have the skills necessary for adulthood. Some adult factions complain about what their children are learning.Various books used in English classes have been labeled inappropriate ordeleterious by citizens who refuse to allow them in the local schools(Walker, 198 , p. On a personal level they have complained of the loneliness andisolation of a career in which each teacher must confront 3 to 15 students each day with little professional support (House & Lapan, 1978, p.11, pp. V..Meyer (Eds.), Education in the 8 's:Curricular challenges. As part of a five-point plan to reform the school system Bills(1982, pp. 13-21). (Ed.). House and Lapaxi (1978, pp. 5:1-5:45). Education: For intelligence? Chicago:Nelson-Hall, 1979. Selecting materials for instruction, (3 vols.).Littleton, CO: Libraries Unlimited, 198 .----------------------- 12 Woodbury (198 ) has conducted an extensive analysis ofnumerous technological programs that could be and have been utilized withall types of students. Elrick (198 , p.124) proposes that students help plan the school curriculum and areencouraged to have a more central role in the development of their ownscholastic career. Edinger, P. Elrick, D. V. To some degree this type of program has been introduced duringthe past five years, but it can rarely exist in an educational environmentthat over-stresses the basics, In addition to various suggested plans to revise scholastic content,there have been numerous proposals to implement educational technology.During the past decade electronics have entered the classroom in severaldifferent forms but have been generally under utilized or misunderstood bythe staff. Television, used infrequently for isolated programs in manyclassrooms, could be better utilized through teletext, with a videotape andfor video-disc displays. 162) notes that older studentsoften have a negative attitude towards school and either refuse to do thework, are truant, become rebellious, or react violently rather than leavingschool as they would have been able to do prior to the implementation ofmandatory education policies. "The problem of purpose in American education." In L.Rubin (Ed.), Critical-issues in educational policy. Computers have been successfully used but could be furtherutilized to tutor, answer inquiries, conduct dialogues, and explainmaterial (Meierhenry, 1981, pp. Parents and citizens, who have also complained of being excluded fromthe educational process, approve of programs such as Early ChildhoodEducation in California, Child-Parent Centers Activity in Illinois, and theParent-Child Early Education Program in Missouri (Far West Laboratory,198 , pp. 62-63). 9:1 -9:74). R., & Lapan, S. 79-1 1) have described aspecific feedback program that can be implemented in an individualclassroom. Boston: Allyn & Bacon,1977. While most schools encourage oraccept the utilization of citizen volunteers for clerical, preparatory, ordrill work in the classroom, there is little response by or organization ofthese aides. Another benefit appreciated by citizens is thatdespite an initially high cost, most technological systems are relativelyinexpensive over the life of the machine (Rubin, 198 , p. 154-162) is amongthose who have described the lack of relevant preparation supplied by thehigh school for the vocational student. Although the organized demonstrations andriots of the 196 s have passed, there remains a large degree of individualviolence, vandalism, disobedience, and drug use by students, particularlyat the secondary school level (Paynter, 198 , p. House, E. 26). Each of these systems provide students withindividualized instruction through the availability of various subjectprograms that can form the basis of or a supplement to a comprehensivelesson. C. A voucher system, proponents note,would encourage responsiveness and accountability in the public schools.It would also ensure all families the chance to purchase the best, ratherthan the closest, education for their children. Educational programs that work. E. Houts, & D. 223-226) suggests that mastery of these basic skills should bethe highest priority of a school and should be the only subjects studentsare required to be competent in prior to their graduation. . Eeerdmans, 1981. Society,state & schools. Rubin (Ed.),Critical issues in educational policy. Another citizen movement involves advocacy of the voucher system.This consists of providing parents with the option of using vouchers topurchase a private school education for their children if they aredissatisfied with the public schools. If this paper is not what you are looking for, you can search again: Search for: or Click here to request an essay written just for you.

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