What is the purpose of public education? If there is more than one purpose, are they sometimes in conflict with each other? The purpose of public education has been affected by major changes in American society. These include economic transformations and the expansion of civil rights, which have had enormous effects on what goes on in the classroom. Added to these forces are others, including population growth, immigration, inner-city poverty, and school violence. Whenever there has been major social or economic change, the goals that were established for public education have changed. Over time, the following have all been goals of public education: Introduction What is the purpose of public education? Who makes major decisions affecting your child’s education? What do we really know about student achievement and school performance, and how do we find out more? Who is delivering information on student achievement, and what is their motivation? Weighing the evidence How to get involved To prepare children for citizenship To cultivate a skilled workforce To teach cultural literacy To prepare students for college To help students become critical thinkers To help students compete in a global marketplace Questions for parents to consider today: What do you think is the purpose of your child’s education? What would you like it to be? How much of your vision is shared by the leadership at your child’s school? Do you know the origins of some of the systems and physical structures in your public schools? Which ones still have purpose? What systems and structures need to be reconsidered or changed? Home | Roots in History | Innovators | Evolving Classroom Photo Gallery | About the Series | Get Involved Copyright © 2001 Roundtable, Inc. All rights reserved.