Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Chapter 12 Problems in Education This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: Any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; Preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; Any rental, lease, or lending of the program.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 What is Education? Education is the social institution responsible for transmitting knowledge, skills, and cultural values in a formally organized structure

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Functionalist Perspective on Education Education is functional for society when it fulfills its manifest functions Socialization  The student role, academic subjects, and the democratic process Transmission of culture  To assimilate children to the norms and values of a culture Social control  Such as encouraging respect and obedience Social placement  Through identifying the most qualified people Change and innovation  Meeting the needs of a multicultural society

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Conflict Perspectives on Education Schools perpetuate inequalities based on class, race, and gender Students possess different levels of cultural capital  Low-income children come to school with different competencies in language and culture A hidden curriculum teaches students to be obedient and patriotic, perpetuating the status quo  Tracking teaches different skills

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Symbolic Interactionist Perspective on Education Focus on the affects of labeling and classroom interaction Standardized testing and IQ tests lead to labeling  Self-fulfilling prophecy Children see themselves based on the unsubstantiated beliefs and predictions of others  Herrnstein’s and Murray’s (1994) The Bell Curve Argued intelligence is purely genetic and some groups (Asians) are inherently “smarter” than others (African Americans) Labels such as “learning-disabled” and “gifted” greatly affect one’s academic experience

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Illiteracy and Solutions Functional illiteracy is being unable to read or write at a level necessary for everyday tasks  Reading a bus schedule, filling out a blank check, or computing the cost of having work done National level  No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 Local level  Business and Industry spend billions annually to educate workers Volunteer organizations

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Figure 12.1: Percentage of Persons Not Completing High School by Race and Hispanic Origin, 1975, 1985, and 2003 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Immigration and School Problems Most immigrants have limited education and few job skills Many are children with language differences Some schools offer bilingual education  Critics say this is a form of segregation

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Race, Class, and Gender and Educational Opportunities Fifty years after Brown v. The Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas (1954), schools are still racially segregated Schools for minorities High teacher-student ratios Less qualified teachers Lower expectations of students High dropout rates Latino/a students face educational obstacles Few school-readiness programs Few Latino/a teachers as role models  Fewer than 6% of public school teachers are Latino/a High dropout rates Teachers treat boys and girls differently, with females’ self-esteem suffering

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Figure 12.2: Education Spending and Reading Scores for Thirteen-Year- Olds, Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2004, 2005

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Violence and the Schools Violence is a growing problem in schools. Many schools use metal detectors and guards to screen students. Some schools require uniforms to lessen the possibility of killing for shoes, jewelry, or designer clothes.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Problems in School Financing Most educational funds come from state appropriations and local property taxes Tax base in central cities is eroding Many schools are overcrowded and need major repairs One proposed solution is a Voucher system, whereby families can “buy” education at their school of choice Critics say it offers better schools to a limited number; will not solve funding problem

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Major Problems in Higher Education Soaring cost of a college education Affirmative action  Taking race, gender, and ethnicity into consideration for admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and faculty hiring Minority enrollments have dropped in many schools that have eliminated affirmative action  Critics argue that it’s reverse discrimination against white students  US Supreme Court (2003) ruled that race can be a factor for universities in shaping admission programs

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Educational Problems of 21st Century Problems Dealing with illiteracy in adults Providing all children with safe, high-quality education Solutions Holding schools and school districts accountable Home schooling or charter schools