Equality vs. Excellence: A Short History of Education

Summary

This series explores the recurring debate in American education between equality and excellence. Starting from the founding of U.S. public schools, it highlights historical flashpoints, including efforts to ensure equal educational opportunities for minorities, eliminate achievement gaps, and balance school funding. The tension between raising educational standards (excellence) and providing equal access (equality) is examined through key reforms, like national standards and the Common Core. The series asks whether these two values can coexist or if they remain inherently at odds, shaping the future of American education.

Takeaways

• 📚 One major theme in American education is the tension between equality and excellence.
• ⚖️ Equality is rooted in democratic principles like equality before the law and one-person, one-vote.
• 🏫 Public education was initially designed to promote equality and democratic virtues.
• 🇺🇸 In the 20th century, equality in education became more critical in the U.S., especially compared to European countries with stronger welfare systems.
• 🎓 Efforts to improve equality in education include expanding access for minority groups, increasing high school and college enrollment, and closing the achievement gap.
• 💵 Equalizing school funding has been a key goal, ensuring that students in different districts (urban, rural, suburban) have equal educational opportunities.
• 🏆 Excellence is also a central value in education reform, focusing on raising educational standards to prepare the workforce and stimulate economic growth.
• 📊 Organizations like the National Commission on Excellence in Education have emphasized the importance of improving education, with reports like 'A Nation at Risk' warning about the consequences of mediocrity.
• 🌍 Education reform often prioritizes either equality or excellence, with some organizations like the Foundation for Excellence in Education focusing on competition and economic success.
• 🎯 The ongoing debate about national standards, such as the Common Core, reflects the desire to combine both equality (by setting the same standards for all) and excellence (by raising the bar for everyone).

Q & A

What are the two major values highlighted in the history of American education?

The two major values are equality and excellence, which have been central to the ongoing debate and reforms in American education.

Why is equality considered a foundational value in American public education?

Equality is considered foundational because it is linked to the democratic principles of the United States, such as equality before the law and one-person, one-vote, which aim to provide equal educational opportunities for all citizens.

How has the role of equality in education evolved in the United States?

Equality has gained increasing importance, especially compared to European countries with strong welfare systems. In the U.S., schools have been a primary focus for creating equal opportunity, particularly through efforts like equalizing education for minority groups and expanding access to education.

What are some examples of efforts to promote equality in American education?

Examples include efforts to improve education for African Americans, expand access to high school and college, promote preschool education, close the achievement gap, and equalize school funding across different districts.

Why is excellence also a key value in education reform?

Excellence is emphasized because education plays a critical role in preparing the workforce and driving economic growth. The desire is to raise the educational standards with each generation to ensure that students are well-prepared for future challenges.

How did the National Commission on Excellence in Education describe the state of American education in its 1983 report 'A Nation at Risk'?

The report warned that if a foreign power had imposed the mediocre educational performance seen in the U.S., it would have been considered an act of war. It described the situation as a form of 'unthinking, unilateral educational disarmament.'

What is the central question regarding the balance between equality and excellence in education?

The central question is whether there is a trade-off between equality and excellence, or if it's possible to achieve both at the same time within the American education system.

How do education reform organizations typically prioritize equality and excellence?

Most organizations tend to prioritize one over the other. For example, the Foundation for Excellence in Education prioritizes improving the quality of education (excellence) while also acknowledging the importance of equality, though it focuses more on competition and economic performance.

What is the idea behind setting national education standards like Common Core?

The idea is to combine both values—setting high standards (excellence) and ensuring that all students are capable of meeting them (equality). This approach aims to raise the bar for all students while providing equal opportunities.

Why do efforts to balance equality and excellence in education often fail?

Efforts to balance equality and excellence often fail due to the inherent challenges in trying to raise educational standards for all students while ensuring that no one is left behind. This has been a recurring issue in American education reform.