"The process of imparting or obtaining knowledge or skill," according to the dictionary this is the definition of education. However, through the years education in the U.S. has included not only that but, intellectual discipline, education for citizenship, individual development, vocational training, and character education. What is the purpose of education?
In the early 1800's in the U.S., people believed that public education was the answer to unifying the nation. While now, in the twentieth century, education seems to have become the answer to drug and alcohol abuse, STD's, the reduction of traffic accidents, improved health and increased wealth of the community, and the elimination of poverty. As one can see there are a lot more goals now than there were then.
Although there are many differences between now and then, there are some goals that haven't changed. For example, the elimination of crime, and the development of career skills.
Thurgood Marshall, appointed by Kennedy to the Uni...
English: The "substantive" conception of equality ...
English: Col. Dennis M. Thompson, AMC Chief of sta...These goals will probably remain a major factor of the aims of education.
Education has been the focus of many conflicts and tensions in the U.S. since the nineteenth century. From public and private goals, to political and economical purposes, to equal opportunity, elitism, desegregation, and arguments about race, religion, gender and social status. Even the amount of money spent to fund our school systems and the emphasis on athletics has been debated. What is so important about these issues?! Well, let's find out. Public vs. private goals: intellectual, social, personal or vocational? According to a survey conducted by John Goodlad, parents and teachers of elementary, middle, and high school students chose intellectual as the most important goal before personal and social. They believe that vocational is the least important goal. Although a majority of parents and children do go to school primarily to learn academic skills and knowledge.