Chapter 16 Education An Overview of Education Sociological Perspectives on Education Problems in Elementary and Secondary School Problems in Higher Education Education in the Future

Historical-Global Perspective of Education Preliterate -prior to invention of reading and writing, education was informal. Preindustrial - formal education was reserved for the privileged. Industrial - need for formal education of the masses increased.

Functionalist Perspective Manifest Functions of Education 1. Socialization 2. Transmission of culture 3. Social control 4. Social placement 5. Change and innovation

Functionalist Perspective Latent Functions of Education 1. Restricting some activities. 2. Matchmaking and production of social networks. 3. Creation of a generation gap.

Conflict Perspective Education is a vehicle for reproducing existing class relationships. Unequal funding is a source of inequality in education. Access to colleges and universities is determined not only by academic record but also by the ability to pay.

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Self ‑ Fulfilling Prophecy- students perform according to the expectations of their teachers. Students labeled as gifted may achieve at a higher level because of the label. Some girls attribute success to effort while boys attribute success to intelligence and ability.

Postmodernist Perspectives Education is a social institution characterized by permeability. Educators attempt to be substitute parents and promulgators of self-esteem in students. Multicultural and anti-bias curricula reflect urbanity. Autonomy is reflected in policies such as the voucher system.

Public vs. Private Schools 90% of U.S. elementary and secondary students are educated in public schools. 9.5% of students are educated in low-tuition private schools. 1.5 % of all students attend private schools with tuition of more than $5,000/year.

Why Parents Choose Private Schools Perceive private schools as having greater emphasis on academics. Moral and ethical standards of the school. Perceive private schools to be more academically demanding.

Public School Funding State and local governments - 47% Federal government - 6%

Magnet Schools Specialized curriculum that focus on a certain area of study. Give students specialized educational opportunities while increasing racial and social diversity in a school.

Problems in Higher Education Cost People of color are under represented in higher education. People of color account for only 15% of full- time faculty members.

Goals 2000: Educate America Act Passed by Congress in 1994 to challenge the nation’s public school system to meet specific goals by Very little progress has been made. The stated goals are overly idealistic.

Goals 2000: Educate America Act Three key goals: Students leave grades 4, 8, and 12 with competency in English, math, science, history, and geography. U.S. students will lead in science and mathematics achievement. Every adult will be literate.