With all that takes place in education, it still stands to reason, at least to me, that though time passes it is still important to take stock of one question. What is the one overarching goal of public education?
It's true that public education helps one move forward on a career/job path. It's also true that the enterprise of public education provides knowledge and that it helps to open up one to the world at large. Public education also spurs creativity, curiousity and understanding.
George Washington in his farewell address suggested the need for a public education system. Among the goals, Washington said that public education would be needed to create a well-informed populace to participate in America's newly founded democracy.
Thomas Jefferson stated that public education "should be rendered by liberal (don't confuse the use of this term back then with its use today) education worthy to receive, and able to guard the sacred deposit of the rights and liberties of their fellow citizens."
As I reflect on what these two men said of public education I'm left with the idea that this enterprise should see to it that we are to serve our nation and the common good. If that is the case, have we lost our way?
Have a good weekend,
Dick
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