Checklist for Effective Reading Instruction

. Equality of Educational Opportunities in the United States Education has an immense impact on the human society. The quality of human resource of a nation is easily judged by the number of literate population living in it. This is to say that education is a must if a nation aspires to achieve growth and development and more importantly sustain it. In today’s world, the role of education has become even more vital. It is an absolute necessity for economic and social development, and the single most important predictor of good jobs and high income at the individual level. In the United States, the Department of Education aims to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring educational equity. Educational equity is a federally mandated right of all students to have equal access to classes, facilities, educational programs, curriculum, instruction materials, assessment and evaluation materials no matter what their national origin, race, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, first language, or other distinguishing characteristic. The public schooling is often regarded as “the great equalizer” in the American society. For many years, American students supposedly have had an equal opportunity to master the three Rs: reading, writing, and arithmetic. Therefore, it is assumed that any student who works hard would have the chance to go as far as his or her talents and abilities allow, regardless of family origin or socioeconomic status. “This assumption regarding opportunity and emphasis on individual talent and effort seems to be natural offshoot of the rugged individualism and self-reliance that are so much part of the fabled American character.” (Schmidt, Cogan, Huoang, 2009) Furthermore, the idea of equality of opportunity is often seen as providing the opportunities to learn without reference to the outcomes. It does not require any particular level of

References: Stephens, Eric, Education vs. Optimal Taxation: The Cost of Equalizing Opportunities (April 26, 2011). Runyon, S... (2011, April 14). An American roadmap to educational equality. The Boston Banner,p. 26.  Retrieved August 15, 2011, from Ethnic NewsWatch (ENW). Schmidt W., Cogan L., Huoang R., (2009). Equality of educational opportunity: a myth or reality in U.S. schooling (2009) . 32. Edelman, M.. (2010, September 29). Getting all children the schools they deserve. Chicago Defender,p. 11.  Edelman, M.. (2010, September 29). Getting all children the schools they deserve. Chicago Defender,p. 11.  Retrieved August 15, 2011 Charles H., Lee J. (2005, Feb. 4). Race and ethnic inequality in educational attainment in the United States. 26. Hense, D.. (2010, February 18). Let 's Bend Public Schools Toward Justice. Washington Informer,p. 18-19.