Q Getting Started Obviously since you are attending college, education is very important to you. However, only 50 years ago, college was a rare event, especially for women. Various societal changes (some of which you examined in previous workshops) have impacted our society’s emphasis on education. Sociologists examine education on different levels, and by using different theoretical perspectives. Your textbook compares education in seven different countries, which provides some valuable information about the differences and similarities in education. However, in this assignment, you will focus on education in the U.S. How do sociologists study education, especially in the U.S.? How can you utilize your newfound sociological understanding of education in your own life? In this discussion assignment, you will explore different aspects of American education, as well as consider the question of whether or not “free” education is of benefit to children. You are encouraged to respond to those classmates who may pose a contrary view to yours. Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to: • Describe the state of American education. • Discuss cross-cultural variations of education. • Evaluate the reality of equal opportunity in the American education system. • Examine the results of free education for all children. ________________________________________ Background Information Sociological study can help you learn a great deal about various aspects of the complex educational system. There have been some especially major changes in education in the past 50 or so years in the U.S. The number of Americans enrolling in colleges or universities has increased dramatically as the need for citizens to understand rapidly changing information increases. One challenge that people have been debating for a couple of decades in the U.S. is whether to make post-secondary education free to all. The decrease in agricultural emphasis in the U.S. is one important reason for this change. By examining different theoretical perspectives on education, you can gain an understanding as to why education has changed to become what you see today, as well as some potential changes that could occur. The material on education also examines education by comparing some statistics among seven countries. This comparison can afford some interesting explorations of education. What do you see as your role in social change? Do you believe that you are a change agent? How do you decide which aspects of society to change? The sheer scale of change occurring at this time can be overwhelming. A majority of U.S. citizens having instantaneous information at their fingertips via the Internet is unprecedented. Consider that the main way to obtain such large amounts of information in the recent past was either going to a library or buying a set of encyclopedias. Since change will happen, how can you effectively manage it—in your own life or in your family’s? Sociologists have methods to help with this. ________________________________________ Instructions 1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade. 2. In your textbook, Sociology: A Christian Approach for Changing the World, read: a. Chapter 13, “Education” b. Chapter 18, “Social Change” 3. Download and review the following textbook PowerPoint presentations: a. Chapter 13(PowerPoint presentation) b. Chapter 18(PowerPoint presentation) 4. Visit the National Education Association (NEA)(new tab) website to learn about the organization’s efforts to advance the cause of public education. 5. Visit the U.S. Department of Education(new tab) website to learn about the government’s efforts to foster educational excellence and ensure equal access. 6. Navigate to the threaded discussion and respond to the following discussion prompts: a. Discuss the current state of American education. How is it similar to and different from when you were growing up and attending school. b. In what ways is the American education system including a cross-cultural approach in its various disciplines? What could America be doing better in order to strengthen its education system? c. Is there equal opportunity in the American education system? Provide rationale for your belief. Respond to peers who may disagree with your post! 7. Your initial post is due by the end of the fourth day of the workshop. 8. Read and respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings, as well as all follow-up instructor questions directed to you, by the end of the workshop. 9. Your postings should also: a. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking. b. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas. c. Provide clarification to classmates’ questions and provide insight into the discussion. d. Be posted on three different days during the workshop.