In this last section of the reading, we learn about the reform of education. We see what the final product is of everything that America went through for education. I would have to sum up the reading as one word, and it is reform. If I had to use a phrase, I would use "A Nation at Risk." And to sum it up into a sentence, or a few, I would say that “A Nation at Risk" shattered public confidence in America’s school system and sparked a new wave of education reform. This program explores the impact of the “free market” experiments that ensued, from vouchers and charter schools to privatization, all with the goal of meeting tough new academic standards.
There were a few important people in this chapter that I would like to reflect on. First, Ronald Reagan. He was president and opponent of the "public school monopoly," He wanted to raise the standards and quality of education in America, and also believed that schools needed reform rather than more funding in order to be successful. Next, George Bush. George Bush was another president, he was an advocate for vouchers (grants that allowed low-income students to attend private schools. Last, I want to acknowledge Polly Williams. Poly Williams was a Democrat and activist who pushed the Milwaukee voucher bill through legislation. All these people played a role in the reform era.
Although all these people were key factors, there were many other important parts to this reading. Here's a timeline of the reading! First, in 1974, The Choice experiment was implemented in East Harlem Schools. In 1980, almost all of the school-age population was enrolled and over 85% ended up graduating. Then there was the "Learning Crisis" declared, leading to an increase in efforts to improve public education.
. 
In 1982, Educators required all junior high students to choose either an alternative or regular school. During 1983-1984, 35 states in America implemented higher graduation requirements, and the annual cost of standardized testing was known to cost $500 million. In 1987, East Harlem, that was previously known as one of the lowest ranking school areas, was outperforming half of the city's school district. In 1990, A few low-income students were allowed to attend private nonreligious schools at taxpayer expense. Then in 1992, New York began allowing students to enroll anywhere in the city. Coming up in 1996, (the year I was born!) Taking a look at Ohio, low income students in Cleveland became the first in the nation to use vouchers to attend religious schools.In 1997, the state of Arizona created 12 charter schools. Also in the same year, congress approved 80 million dollars for charter school construction! Last, in 1998, The Wisconsin Supreme Court allowed Milwaukee students to use vouchers to attend religious schools.
Although all these people were key factors, there were many other important parts to this reading. Here's a timeline of the reading! First, in 1974, The Choice experiment was implemented in East Harlem Schools. In 1980, almost all of the school-age population was enrolled and over 85% ended up graduating. Then there was the "Learning Crisis" declared, leading to an increase in efforts to improve public education.
. In 1982, Educators required all junior high students to choose either an alternative or regular school. During 1983-1984, 35 states in America implemented higher graduation requirements, and the annual cost of standardized testing was known to cost $500 million. In 1987, East Harlem, that was previously known as one of the lowest ranking school areas, was outperforming half of the city's school district. In 1990, A few low-income students were allowed to attend private nonreligious schools at taxpayer expense. Then in 1992, New York began allowing students to enroll anywhere in the city. Coming up in 1996, (the year I was born!) Taking a look at Ohio, low income students in Cleveland became the first in the nation to use vouchers to attend religious schools.In 1997, the state of Arizona created 12 charter schools. Also in the same year, congress approved 80 million dollars for charter school construction! Last, in 1998, The Wisconsin Supreme Court allowed Milwaukee students to use vouchers to attend religious schools.
No comments:
Post a Comment