In Meira Levinson’s book “No Citizen Left Behind”, she brings many circumstances to the table regarding education that need to be dealt with. She focuses mainly on urban schools and how the students in these schools are not being given the opportunity to obtain an education that actually is beneficial. She says that instead of focusing on the curriculum in these schools, educators should be teaching their students how to be good citizens. She voices that students’ futures depend more on their ability to be civically involved rather than knowing their times tables. In this paper, I discuss the themes of Meira Levinson’s book “No Citizen Left Behind.” The two themes I have chosen to discuss are the importance of teaching citizenship education …show more content…
Levinson says, “This lack of discussion about what we meant by “citizenship” at my school is representative of a larger, nationwide uncertainty about what it means to be a good citizen” (pg. 43). I agree with this statement wholeheartedly. I think that it is interesting that she included that there is a nationwide uncertainty because I definitely can see that viewpoint being true. There are many adults, as well as children, that do not know what being a good citizen involves. We need to explicitly discuss what it means to be a good citizen and give the students practical ways to practice these traits. We can start by giving students opportunities in our schools to put into practice what we are teaching them. For example, I think it would be a great idea to have student do a mock trial of sorts, just like Levinson talked about in “No Citizen Left Behind.” Students will come up with an idea, such as having open campus for lunch. Then, the students will plead their case on either side before a student jury and have the jury vote on the topic. Students grow more when given the opportunity to have authentic experiences that are significant to them. That being said, it is a fantastic idea for schools to step in and make opportunities …show more content…
As a future educator, I plan on making civic engagement a required component of what will be taught in my classroom regardless of what subject I am teaching. “No Citizen Left Behind” has brought many things to my attention and I can only hope that these same things will be brought to the attention of all educators and administrators. The solution to these issues starts with us. The ball is in our court and it is our responsibility to fix the
The history of the United States of America has often been punctuated by moments of triumph, and also by grievous lapses in moral and ethical judgements. For years, students have learned about the entirety of our country’s history in school. However, a school board in Colorado recently attempted to prevent this from happening. Their decision to alter the American history curriculum in order to promote patriotic values angered many students, who then protested this decision. Leonard Pitts, a journalist for the Miami Herald, openly criticized the school board’s move.
Soul of a Citizen has introduced us to many individuals who have taken upon themselves to make changes happen. Whether it was being involved in programs, introducing us to new programs, or learning from others’ inspiring actions, we can all use the inspiration within this book to encourage us to act responsibly as a citizen. These actions mimic the Franciscan values that are wrapped around many organizations and schools. One such individual highlighted in this book was Virginia Ramirez. Virginia, a Hispanic woman, who stayed at home with her children, never finished college.
Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” (Education). Education is a crucial making an intelligent and prosperous world. Every person is entitled to an equal education, deserving to be taught and have the ability to learn at the same beneficial level as any other person. However, the disparity between what some have for a school and what others have for schools that far surpass the others is unacceptable. Children in the United States are not getting the education they deserve to receive.
In his article “The Good Citizen: How a Younger Generation Is Reshaping American Politics,” Russell Dalton, an author and political analyst, focuses on a specific issue in regards to “Citizenship and the Transformation of American Society.” Dalton tries to shine light on a complicated paradox issue by asking a stimulating question: ‘What does it mean to be a good citizen?’ Throughout the article, Dalton explores two types of citizenships while cross analyzing three generations that could resolve the paradox issue. His answer was confusing throughout the article, until it became apparent at the end of the article when Dalton explains the respect he has for his fellow peers views’ on ‘what does it mean to be a good citizen’ and who’s to blame
On the other hand, given that Whitehead’s only source for this data is “a national survey of high school,” it may be deemed skeptical by Whitehead’s audience causing him to lose credibility for the lack of an authentic source; however, incorporating this data into his essay allows his audience to contemplate another aspect of his argument. Furthermore, considering that Whitehead made the lack of constitutional education clear to his audience begs the question of how this information contributes to the main idea of his essay. Through the reason that the quality of education students receive directly correlates with their teacher, Whitehead shows the significance of how poorly schools are educating students about the freedoms and liberties stated inside the U.S. Constitution by using these statistics. This information appears to contribute to Whitehead’s argument by leading his audience to believe that the educational system has become equivocal when educating students on the constitution, therefore restricting students to fully comprehend the freedoms and liberties inside the U.S. constitution.
Although on paper our schools seem to meet the needs of everyone, the U.S. school is nowhere near perfect, and reforms and actions need to continue to be implemented.
The documentary relates to the United States in the way of that the public school system is broken. Government and political officials have repeatedly promised to correct the public school system and have failed to deliver. Programs such as the no child left behind act and standardized tests have been created to correct this system. But these programs and tests actually hurt this system since they are based on a narrow curriculum not measuring an individual student 's skills and talents. Other issues which are mentioned in the documentary and affect our country are teachers unions and tenure.
All american citizens are raised with the knowledge that they are required to participate in the governance of their nation. This is, perhaps, at odds with the execution of that participation. One of the issues with most individuals growing up in our society is one of agency. Many young people are told they are not ready to make decisions for themselves. That they lack experience and knowledge.
If you were to change something about the education system in the U.S, what would you change? How would you critique the quality of education? Education historian Diane Ravitch answers these questions in her excerpt that was published in 2014, “The Essentials of a Good Education.” In her text Ravitch argues that the education system is flawed and that the vision of a good education is unfair and unequal. Ravitch supports her claim by providing examples of the negative effects of the educational system and using historical context.
In American society, the quality of public education is a vital topic for debate. While critics allege that the politicization of public education in underachieving communities has led to ineffective policies and reforms, proponents allege that public education still acts as an entrance to greater opportunities for students of all backgrounds. These two assertions have created a dichotomy amongst educators, policymakers, politicians, and parents. Thus, a reactionary perspective of educational reform has been proposed in response to advocates of public education.
The idea of classroom causing problems for America’s society is elaborated when President Johnson explains that many children in America don’t have enough money to afford school. “There your children’s lives will be shaped. Our society will not be great until every young mind is set free to scan the farthest reaches of thought and imagination.” In order for a society to be great, education is the foundation; schools are where child learn about their world, and what it is they will do in the future to earn money to live a good life. And to better prove his idea Johnson states, “Each year more than 100,000 high school graduates, with proved ability, do not enter college because they cannot afford it,” then questions what will happen in years when time has become elapsed to conclude any efforts are needed to come into play for there to be a Great Society.
One of which was the emphasis on a student’s societal benefits as an American citizen. This philosophy focused on how students would be functional members of society and there was less emphasis on their education. Through educating America’s youth, public schools
Today, being part of Generation Z consists of technology, social media and living through innovations, however we often forget to acknowledge the gratitude for entitlements we have obtained. In the minds of many Americans, the assumption is made that owning a house, receiving an education, and voicing one’s opinion are liberties granted to society. Unfortunately, there are numerous people around the world that do not have the liberty of relishing these freedoms. As a conscious citizen of the United States, I am wary and appreciative towards my country for allowing me to work towards my ambitions moreover giving me an efficacious future I can work towards. America’s population goes overboard boasting, and almost competing on how patriotic they are, yet if they were to be questioned about the meaning of patriotism, few would know how to give an accurate and concise answer.
Since prior to this time, most Americans would be less inclined to jeopardize their careers for social reform. Zinn provided an example of courage, and the voice of reason against the lies and the oppression. He believed in the true essence of democracy. People should be able to speak against what is wrong, nothing is “fixed…what had seemed immovable could move.” (34) “I learned something from this: that the high school years must be the most important years in shaping the social consciousness of young people, because at no other level do parents and school officials become more hysterical at the possibility that the students will be exposed to ideas which challenge the authority of government, of school administrations, of parents.”
As Americans, we view the Constitution as a stepping stone to making the great country we live in today. Yet, we the people of the United States failed to realize another component in order to form a perfect union. Which is to establish and promote equal opportunities for a quality education for all. However, we live in a society where social locators such as class, gender, and race are huge factors in the determination of one’s educational future.