Deck 5: Diversity and Equity: Schooling Girls and Women

Question 1

What does the phrase "equal educational opportunity" mean in terms of both the "social-efficiency" and "developmental democracy" progressives? Discuss that difference in perspectives, and evaluate the degree to which one or the other concept, in your view, was a better response to the needs of American society in the decades following the turn of the century. What does "equal educational opportunity" mean to you in terms of education today? How will you as a teacher seek to actualize this equal education vision in your practice?

Answer 1

The phrase "equal educational opportunity" refers to the idea that every student, regardless of their background or circumstances, should have access to the same quality of education.

In terms of the "social-efficiency" progressives, equal educational opportunity meant providing all students with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the workforce and society as a whole. This perspective focused on preparing students to be productive members of society and ensuring that the education system was meeting the needs of the economy.

On the other hand, the "developmental democracy" progressives believed that equal educational opportunity meant providing students with a well-rounded education that would enable them to participate fully in the democratic process. This perspective emphasized the importance of critical thinking, civic engagement, and preparing students to be informed and active citizens.

In my view, the developmental democracy perspective was a better response to the needs of American society in the decades following the turn of the century. This is because a well-rounded education that prepares students to be active and engaged citizens is essential for a healthy democracy and a thriving society.

In terms of education today, "equal educational opportunity" means ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education that meets their individual needs and allows them to reach their full potential. As a teacher, I will seek to actualize this vision by creating a classroom environment that is inclusive, supportive, and responsive to the diverse needs of my students. I will differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners, provide resources and support for students who may face barriers to their education, and work to create a curriculum that is culturally relevant and inclusive. Additionally, I will strive to foster a sense of community and empower students to become active participants in their own learning and in the larger society.

Question 2

In what respects did various strands of the "new psychology" emerging in the Progressive Era provide support for innovations in schooling, including differential curricula and extracurricular activities? Do you think these innovations were adequately justified by these new interpretations in psychology? Defend your position.

Answer 2

The various strands of the "new psychology" that emerged in the Progressive Era provided support for innovations in schooling in several ways. One of the key ways was through the emphasis on individual differences and the understanding that not all students learn in the same way. This led to the development of differential curricula, which aimed to tailor education to the needs and abilities of each student. This idea was supported by psychological theories such as behaviorism and constructivism, which emphasized the importance of personalized learning experiences.

Additionally, the new psychology also highlighted the importance of holistic development and the role of extracurricular activities in promoting social, emotional, and cognitive growth. This led to an increase in the availability and emphasis on extracurricular activities in schools, such as sports, arts, and community service opportunities.

These innovations in schooling were justified by the new interpretations in psychology as they were based on the understanding of human development and learning. By recognizing individual differences and the importance of holistic development, these innovations aimed to provide a more inclusive and effective education for all students. However, it is important to note that while these innovations were justified by psychological theories, the implementation and impact of these changes in schooling varied. It is essential to continually evaluate and adapt these innovations to ensure that they are effectively meeting the needs of students. Overall, the new interpretations in psychology provided a strong foundation for innovations in schooling, but ongoing evaluation and adaptation are necessary to ensure their continued effectiveness.

Question 3

Charles Eliot and other social-efficiency liberals believed that they were serving the interests of democracy with their vision of progressive education. Explain their point of view according to their conception of democracy. Next, evaluate their educational and political points of view by using your definition of the educational requirements of democracy.

Answer 3

Charles Eliot and other social-efficiency liberals believed that they were serving the interests of democracy with their vision of progressive education because they saw education as a means to create an informed and engaged citizenry. They believed that by providing a practical and vocational education, they were preparing individuals to actively participate in the workforce and contribute to the economic and social development of the nation. They also believed that by promoting scientific and technical knowledge, they were empowering individuals to make rational and informed decisions in their personal and civic lives.

From their point of view, democracy required an educated populace that could critically evaluate information, participate in public discourse, and make informed decisions. They believed that a progressive education focused on practical skills and scientific knowledge was essential for nurturing the kind of citizens needed to sustain a thriving democracy.

However, their educational and political points of view can be evaluated by using a broader definition of the educational requirements of democracy. While practical and vocational skills are important, a truly democratic education also encompasses the development of critical thinking, civic engagement, empathy, and an understanding of social justice issues. It is not just about preparing individuals for the workforce, but also about nurturing active and responsible citizens who can contribute to the common good and challenge injustices in society.

In this sense, while social-efficiency liberals' vision of education may have served some aspects of democracy, it may have fallen short in addressing the full range of educational requirements for a thriving democracy. A truly democratic education should not only focus on practical skills, but also on fostering a sense of civic responsibility, social awareness, and a commitment to equity and justice.

Question 4

The debate about education for its own sake versus education for a particular role in society continues today. What are some of the ways you see this disagreement being played out in today's educational environment? In your experience, how do you think schools today tend to orient themselves-towards a classical educational model, or towards a more vocational one-and what are your thoughts about this?

Question 5

Jefferson feared that urbanization would wreak havoc on the nation. The Progressives saw an increase of crimes associated with urbanization. These two points are

A) related, in that Jefferson's and the Progressives' apprehension was that one component of urbanization would be poverty, which breeds crime.
B) unrelated, in that Jefferson feared for the loss of agrarian values, and the Progressives feared for the loss of capitalistic values.
C) unrelated, in that Progressives viewed urbanization as necessary to progress.
D) All these answers are correct.

Question 6

Worker resistance to scientific management in industry primarily was based on

A) the fear that mechanization was shortening the work week.
B) issues of worker autonomy.
C) the fear that production would rise less than wages.
D) All these answers are correct.

Question 7

Application of the scientific method for reaching reasonable conclusions

A) was an extension of social Darwinism.
B) enhanced faith in the common person's ability to reach valid conclusions.
C) enhanced the status of experts.
D) All these answers are correct.

Question 8

Classical liberal emphasis on individualism was reflected in the desire for what we have termed "negative freedom." In contrast to this, the modern liberals desired

A) government regulations to protect certain freedoms.
B) a laissez-faire government.
C) individual autonomy.
D) All these answers are correct.

Question 9

Progressives viewed the schools as the appropriate place to solve problems associated with industrialization, immigration, and urbanization in part because

A) schooling could produce experts.
B) non-school institutions previously depended on to instill values were mistrusted.
C) the superiority of the scientific method could be demonstrated more widely in the schools.
D) All these answers are correct.

Question 10

Educators and others who advocated Progressive education reforms held a view of the "new" students as

A) learning through emotions more than intellect.
B) requiring guidance toward their eventual place in life.
C) learning through pursuing their own interests.
D) All these answers are correct.

Question 11

Understanding "equal educational opportunity" as providing the student with the education most appropriate for his or her potential

A) has been historically a good way to overcome societal differences resulting from economic class, ethnicity, and gender.
B) is more fair than expecting everyone to be able to master the same basic material.
C) relies to some extent on predicting an individual's future.
D) All these answers are correct.

Question 12

Which of the following statements best expresses the idea of new liberal freedom?

A) A government that governs best is one that governs least.
B) The conditions for freedom require government intervention.
C) A laissez-faire government demands protection of private property from government regulation.
D) A laissez-faire government demands protection of private property from government regulation; but the conditions for freedom require government intervention.

Question 13

Which one of the following statements holds true for the Progressive Era's idea of "new psychology"?

A) The mind is a collection of faculties that could be developed through rigorous exercise.
B) "New psychology" is a revised view of human nature that was influenced by several new approaches to psychology.
C) "New psychology" is a new view of human nature that replaced scientific psychology.
D) None of these answers is correct.

Question 14

What caused the United States to change from being primarily rural to primarily urban?

A) the number of people migrating to the cities from rural areas
B) immigration
C) industrialization reducing the need for farm labor and increasing the need for factory labor in cities
D) All these answers are correct.

Question 15

During the Progressive Era, the term scientific management included

A) de-skilling: breaking down each complex, skilled task into its component parts.
B) increased worker production and worker dissatisfaction at the same time.
C) a 60 percent increase in wages and a 400 percent increase in production.
D) All these answers are correct.

Question 16

Reflecting the influence of Darwin on many intellectuals of his day, Eliot devised a plan of barring unmarried southern and eastern Europeans from immigrating to the United States for what reason?

A) They were coming from countries that did not have good relations with the United States.
B) Married people were socially more stable and less likely to remain unemployed.
C) Married, they would be a lesser threat to the American gene pool.
D) He believed that single immigrants would send more money made in America to their families.

Question 17

Progressive schooling emphasized two new social and educational goals: social stability and employable skills. What was the common belief about achieving those goals?

A) Only white Americans were capable of achieving these goals.
B) Schools had to offer only classical education to meet these goals.
C) Only black and immigrant children were able to achieve these goals
D) They could only be achieved for all if schools offered both academic and vocational courses of study.

Question 18

Charles Eliot said, "There is no such thing as equality of gifts, of powers, of faculties, among either children or adults." In promoting what kind of schooling did he say those words?

A) liberal education for all students
B) vocational education for all students
C) liberal education for poor and immigrant students
D) vocational education for the majority, and liberal education for the academically outstanding

Question 19

Why has the European system of education found it easier than the American school system to foster vocational instruction in the elementary schools?

A) because Europe's college systems are worse than those in the United States
B) because historically, they do not have as strong democratic ideals as Americans do
C) because Europe's language is different, so it is harder to go to college
D) because Europe's economy has more of a demand for vocational education

Question 20

Ellwood Cubberly wrote that "a thoroughly democratic ladder has everywhere been provided" in the nation's schools. By this he meant

A) only students from wealthy families could hope to rise to the top.
B) every student enrolled in school had the ability to become a leader as a result of equal opportunity.
C) the truly deserving would rise to the top as a result of equal educational opportunity.
D) None of these answers is correct.