Radio Commentary
An early goal for public education
in this country was to help people become economically self-sufficient.
Our leaders felt that public
schools would give all Americans the basic reading and math skills they needed
to succeed in the workplace. As a result, poverty and its consequences would be
reduced.
Early national leaders also saw the
public schools as a “social escalator in a merit-based society.”
They thought it would enable
children of humble birth to pursue financial success and improve their lot in
life.
Later, as the Industrial Age
introduced new occupations, the public schools offered more courses with direct
vocational content.
Early proponents of public schools
also saw an educational role in enhancing individual happiness.
They felt that knowledge produced
people who could think rationally, apply the wisdom of the ages, and appreciate
culture.
In 1749, Benjamin Franklin said:
“The good education of youth has been esteemed by wise men in all ages as the
surest foundation of the happiness of both private families and of
communities.”
It is very
important as we continue to reform and improve public education that we keep
our eyes on the big picture — the lofty goals our founding fathers had in mind.
