Question 1

George Counts' Dare the Schools Build a New Social Order? was written as a criticism of&#10;A)timid progressivism.&#10;B)New Deal reformers.&#10;C)economic expansion.&#10;D)international change.

Accepted Answer

George Counts' Dare the Schools Build a New Social Order? was written as a criticism of timid progressivism, arguing that the education system needed to be more socially and politically involved in creating a more equitable society.

Question 2

One of things that reconstructionists did not like about progressivism was its&#10;A)support of a middle-class agenda.&#10;B)challenge to the status quo.&#10;C)orientation to the poor.&#10;D)bold social reforms.

Accepted Answer

Reconstructionists criticized progressivism for its focus on a middle-class agenda, arguing that it did not adequately address the needs and concerns of the working class or the poor.

Question 3

Select a response that most accurately reflects the reconstructionist outlook: &#34;Reconstructionists see the present as a time of&#10;A)no opportunity.&#10;B)strong community.&#10;C)cultural crisis.&#10;D)social stability.

Accepted Answer

Reconstructionists believe that the present is a time of cultural crisis, where traditional Jewish practices and customs are being challenged and must be re-interpreted for modern times. They believe in actively engaging with the world and reshaping Jewish practices to be relevant and meaningful in contemporary society.

Question 4

In terms of curriculum, reconstructionists favor one that is oriented toward&#10;A)local issues.&#10;B)state affairs.&#10;C)global concerns.&#10;D)the status quo.

Accepted Answer

Reconstructionists favor a curriculum that is oriented toward global concerns, as they believe that education should prepare students to actively participate in shaping the world and addressing pressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and conflict. They advocate for a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and strategies for social action, and that is relevant to the real-world problems and challenges students are likely to face. Local and state issues are seen as important, but secondary to the broader global issues that affect all people. The status quo is rejected as insufficiently responsive to the changing needs of society and the world.

Question 5

The most accurate description of a political motif for the reconstructionist would be&#10;A)reactionary.&#10;B)conservative.&#10;C)liberal.&#10;D)radical.

Accepted Answer

Reconstructionists advocate for radical changes in both social and political systems in order to achieve a more just and equal society. They believe in the need for significant progress and transformation rather than preservation of existing structures.

Question 6

Ivan Illich urged that the best solution to our present educational circumstances should be which of the following?&#10;A)progressive improvement.&#10;B)deschooling society.&#10;C)traditional curriculum.&#10;D)magnet schools.

Accepted Answer

Ivan Illich believed that the existing educational system had become too institutionalized and bureaucratic, creating a dependency on schools for learning. Therefore, he advocated for the deschooling of society, which would involve replacing the current system with community-based learning opportunities facilitated by peers and mentors. This approach would empower individuals to take control of their own learning and develop skills and knowledge that are relevant to their own lives and interests.

Question 7

Reconstructionists prefer a teacher who is oriented toward&#10;A)the status quo.&#10;B)religious perspectives.&#10;C)social change.&#10;D)economic interests.

Accepted Answer

Reconstructionists believe in constantly adapting Judaism to contemporary society, which often involves promoting social change. Therefore, they would prefer a teacher who shares this orientation towards social change.

Question 8

Reconstructionists challenge the view that schools are&#10;A)neutral.&#10;B)traditional.&#10;C)religious.&#10;D)unsound.

Accepted Answer

Reconstructionists believe that schools should not be neutral, but should instead actively work towards solving social problems and creating a more just society. They argue that traditional and religious schools often perpetuate inequality and do not adequately prepare students for the challenges of the modern world. While they may also criticize some aspects of unsound schools, the focus of their critique is on the need for education to be more explicitly purposeful and engaged with society.

Question 9

Theodore Brameld, a leading reconstructionist, believed that the best educational goals were both&#10;A)utopian and practical.&#10;B)radical and libertarian.&#10;C)reactionary and visionary.&#10;D)practical and utilitarian.

Accepted Answer

Brameld believed that education should strive for utopian ideals, such as social justice and world peace, but also have practical applications in preparing students for the workforce and everyday life.

Deck 4: Pragmatism and Education