What Is Thomas Jefferson's Idea Of Universal Education
After completing the readings and watching the video, it is clear that the common school did not provide equal access for all children. Quality schooling was, and continues to be, reserved for the elite. The initial history behind public schooling for all did not include the same levels of education or quality of education for all. Jefferson's idea of universal education included democratic basics, strictly for the survival of democracy. Those who could afford tutors, university, and other precious schooling, would follow in the footsteps of leaders, while everyone else would be educated enough to read and vote. Girls and slaves were not initially included in Jefferson's plan for educating all.
Based on the history of early education, it
does not come to any surprise that girls/women are still disadvantaged in the school setting, as well as work. Also, that African Americans and Blacks are the last one's to receive an opportunity for quality education. The concept of separate but equal, which currently takes place in cities and parts of the U.S., originated when slaves were not considered citizens or worthy of receiving any education. Due to the history of slavery, American Blacks will continue to be treated unequally, and the constant discrimination and systematic oppression will continue to be justified by the American idea of "pulling oneself up by their bootstraps."
In the video, Mann describes the common school being, "it is a free school system. It knows no distinction of rich and poor." The initial idea of creating a "common" school to equally educate all children was a great idea, but based on its effects today, I can see where some of Mann's ideas might have been flawed. (school funding based off taxes, etc. ) The effects of schooling at that time were abundant; first, with all of the different types of schooling and religion, it was evident that children were different from others. Similarly, the little value given to women, slaves, and those with less, education’s created an immediate divide between the people and classes.
Based on the history of early education, it
does not come to any surprise that girls/women are still disadvantaged in the school setting, as well as work. Also, that African Americans and Blacks are the last one's to receive an opportunity for quality education. The concept of separate but equal, which currently takes place in cities and parts of the U.S., originated when slaves were not considered citizens or worthy of receiving any education. Due to the history of slavery, American Blacks will continue to be treated unequally, and the constant discrimination and systematic oppression will continue to be justified by the American idea of "pulling oneself up by their bootstraps."
In the video, Mann describes the common school being, "it is a free school system. It knows no distinction of rich and poor." The initial idea of creating a "common" school to equally educate all children was a great idea, but based on its effects today, I can see where some of Mann's ideas might have been flawed. (school funding based off taxes, etc. ) The effects of schooling at that time were abundant; first, with all of the different types of schooling and religion, it was evident that children were different from others. Similarly, the little value given to women, slaves, and those with less, education’s created an immediate divide between the people and classes.