1. Philosophy of Education
1.1. Generic Notions - form of instrumentalism and experimentalism was founded on the new psychology, behaviorism, and philosophy - optimistic belief of progress
1.2. Key Researchers - John Dewey
1.3. Goal of Education - philosophy had a responsibility to society and that ideas required laboratory testing
1.4. Role of a Teacher - the teacher is no longer an authoritative figure but serves as a facilitator
1.5. Method of Instruction - belief that children can learn both individually and in groups
1.6. Curriculum - core curriculum or integrated curriculum
2. School as Organizations
2.1. State Senator - Richard Shelby
2.2. House of Representatives
2.2.1. District 8 - Terri Collins
2.2.2. District 9 - Ed Henry
2.2.3. District 10 - Mike Ball
2.3. State Superintendent - Michael Sentance
2.4. School State Board Representative - Michael Sentance
2.5. Local Superintendent - Jon Hatton (Lauderdale County)
2.5.1. Lauderdale County School Board - Barbara Cornelius, Jerry Fulmer, Terry Holden, Ronnie Owens, Daniel Patterson
2.6. Elements of Change - Schools are heavily political which makes change difficult. Examples include; teachers, represented by their union, have a lot to say about the conditions of their employment. Local board members often struggle with teachers pay standards.
3. Curriculum and Pedagogy
3.1. Social Efficiency - the teacher is viewed as a manager of the conditions of learning. The teacher creates experiences from which students create their own meaning of the curriculum content.
3.1.1. 2 Dominant Traditions of Teaching : 1. Mimetic Traditions - based on the idea that education should transmit specific knowledge to students. The method for doing so is through the didactic method. It is the belief that learning in the classroom is done by both the student and the teacher. 2. Transformative Tradition - belief that the purpose of education is to change the student in a meaningful way. They do not believe in the idea of teacher student relationship that the mimetic tradition holds.
4. Equality of Opportunity
4.1. Class - Financial resources probably has the biggest impact to equality of opportunity. The perfect example would be me right now. I should have graduated in May like many of my friends but it's going to take me an extra year and a half because my parents don't have the resources to pay for college. I am working a full time job and paying for it all on my own.
4.1.1. Race - Studies show that minority students are less likely to pursue a post secondary education, simply because most have not been supported due to a cultural barrier both in school or at home.
4.1.1.1. Gender - The common stereotype is that the most dominant gender is male. Most leaders are predominantly white male. Sadly this can be seen through the eyes of children at an early age. We tend to typically fall into careers that conform to our gender.
4.2. 2 Responses from the Coleman Study 1982 - The first response dealt with the issue of private schools and if they are better than public. Most studies show that they are, but could it be wrong? I believe there are benefits but what about students from low income families. They deserve an equal education. The second response dealt with the importance of where a child attended school. Where a student attends school is severely impacted by their race and culture.
5. Sociology of Education
5.1. Functionalism - the theory that all aspects of a society serve a function and are necessary for the survival of that society
5.2. Conflict Theory - by Karl Marx that claims society is in a state of perpetual conflict due to competition for limited resources. It holds that social order is maintained by domination and power, rather than consensus and conformity
5.3. Interactionalism - the theory that there are two entities, mind and body, each of which can have an effect on the other
5.4. 5 EFFECTS OF SCHOOLING ON INDIVIDUALS
5.4.1. Gender - Schools produces inequality through gender discrimination. Men and women do not share equally in U.S. society.
5.4.2. Student Peer Groups - Students who are in vocational programs are more likely to join a rebellious subculture.
5.4.3. Teacher Behavior - Teachers have a large impact on learning and behavior. They are models for students and have different responsibilities which can lead to role strain.
5.4.4. Employment - Students are pressured to go to college and get a degree because they believe that's the only way they will make more money.
5.4.5. Knowledge - Greater knowledge and social participation are based on the individual social class background.
6. Politics of Education
6.1. Intellectual - to teach basic skills to transmit a specific knowledge
6.2. Political - to teach allegiance to the existing political order
6.3. Social - to help solve social problems in institutions, churches, various roles in society
7. History of U.S. Education
7.1. Reform movement of education for women and African-Americans
7.1.1. 1821 - Emma Hart Willard opens the Troy Female Seminary
7.1.2. 1833 - Oberlin Institute in Ohio opens doors to women and African-Americans
7.1.3. 1868 - Freedman's Bureau help establish historical black colleges
7.2. Historical interpretation of U.S. Education
7.2.1. All agreed progressive education failed to fulfill its social goals
7.2.2. Ravitch stated that curriculum is not conservative but is consistent. All students should be given an equal opportunity to succeed
7.3. Perspectives
7.3.1. The role of the school - Radical - perpetuate the society and serve the interests of those with economic wealth and political power
7.3.2. Definition of educational problems - Schools have too often limited the life chances for minority children and underachievement by these groups is a critical issue.
7.3.3. Explanations of unequal performance - children of all economical backgrounds should be prepared for different roles within the economic division of labor
7.3.4. 1977 - Diane Ravitch provided a radical-revisionist perspective and a defense of the democratic-liberal position
8. Educational Inequality
8.1. Ogbu's macro-sociological perspective theory suggests that working-class students adapt to the unequal aspects of the class structure.
8.1.1. Bourdieu's concepts of social and cultural capital are also important in understanding how cultural differences affect educational inequality.
8.1.1.1. 1. Strong and effective leadership by a principal or school head. 2. Schooling financing 3. Flexibility for teachers 4. The monitoring of student learning
8.1.1.1.1. Explanations of Educational Equality
9. Educational Reform
9.1. 2 School-Based Reforms : The need to attain the twin goals of excellence and equity. The need to forge new partnerships between corporations, business, and the schools.
9.1.1. 2 Societal Reforms : 1. No Child Left Behind -authorizes several federal education programs that are administered by the states. The law is a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Under the 2002 law, states are required to test students in reading and math in grades 3–8 and once in high school. 2. Goals 2000 - was signed into law on March 31, 1994 by President Bill Clinton. The Act provides resources to states and communities to ensure that all students reach their full potential.