Wednesday, November 4, 2015

School: 1950-1980 Separate and Unequal

This chapter of School: The Story of American Public Education discusses how segregation was effecting American public education in the 1950-1980s. Which I think is a little ironic since American education has been very unequal from its beginnings up to this point in history. I also find it ironic that the books quotes an African-American that specifically states that they didn't want to have desegregation but simply a better education. Which ticks me off a little bit. I believe that all human beings ought to be treated as human beings, nothing less. So the fact that neither side wanted to be desegregated somewhat makes me mad!

I also find it interesting is that this is the first time that we let the government interfere with public education, especially in the way of funds. Not to mention that the government continues to implement change forcibly through funding. I am not sure that this is a healthy mindset or that all changes made are bad but I am simply stating that this is the way it is and I find the implications interesting.

However, the book notes that by desegregating schools education has become a little more equal overall. However funding continues into today to make a difference in the quality of education that students receive. I am not sure that public education will ever be truly equal across the board simply because there are too many variables that factor into a public education. State funding, the value that the community places on education, and the varied education given throughout the United States. But we continue to try to improve this system which I think is a positive for us.

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