1. Historical and Philosophical Perspectives
Chapter 2
Historical and Philosophical Perspectives

2. Table of Contents Lesson 2 Assignments Overview Slide 3
Lesson 2 Concepts Overview Slide 4
Lesson 2 Concepts in Detail Slides 5-17
Summary Slide 18

3. Lesson 2 Assignments This week, students will:
Take Self-Test, Lesson 2
Review Study Guide, Lesson 2
Read Chapter 2
Review PowerPoint, Lesson 2
Participate in Discussion Forum, Lesson 2
Complete Community Service Lab Hours
Take Post-Quiz, Lesson 2

4. Lesson 2 Concepts Overview
In Lesson 2 we will cover the following core concepts:
Overview of Philosophical Viewpoints
Historical Patterns
Family as a Significant Educational Force
Community as a Significant Educational Force
School as a Significant Educational Force
Forces Affecting Education in the 21st Century
Partnerships and Collaborations
Children With Specific Needs
Curriculum Emphasis on Diversity
Summary

5. Overview of Philosophical Viewpoints
Beliefs about child development and modes of instruction vary depending on the philosophy:
Nativism
Behaviorism
Interactionism
Psychoanalytical (Psychological)
Social-Cultural Context 5

6. Overview of Philosophical Viewpoints (Cont.)
Evolution of Philosophical Perspectives
Views of what children need change over time, and reflect political, social, economic, and global factors.
Important historical figures who have shaped views on educational practices include:
John Locke
Charles Darwin
Jean-Jacque Rousseau
Sigmund Freud
Erik Erikson
Johann Pestalozzi & Friedich Froebel
Lev Vygotsky & Jean Piaget
John Dewey

7. Historical Patterns
Partnerships among homes, schools, and communities is a relatively recent development.
However, at different times, each, as an institution, has occupied a dominant role in children’s education.

8. Family as a Significant Educational Force
Colonial Times
The education children received depended on economic, ethnic background, gender, and location.
Puritans in the North stressed reading and writing, which was taught by parents. In the South, wealthy families hired tutors for their children.
When colonial children needed to learn skills the family could not provide, apprenticeships were sought.
In the colonies, basic formal education was available to established families, but children of slaves and Native Americans were considered unworthy of education.

9. Community as a Significant Educational Force
As townships in the colonies became more established, religious leaders began to dominate the determination of children’s education
The Puritans are credited with establishing the foundations of public education.
During the early 1800s, with the rise of the industrial revolution, political and economic factors began to affect the relationship of families and communities in educating children.
The ideas and philosophies of European philosophers and educators also influenced educational thought throughout the United States.

10. School as a Significant Educational Force
The mission of formal schools and support for public education have increased gradually over more than two centuries in the United States.
Newer Trends
Philosophical views on education have reflected different time periods.
Parent Involvement in Schools
While parents were once thought to be most knowledgeable on how to rear their children, this view began to change in the 20th century.
Psychology as a science emerged and a number of theories on child development were advanced.

11. Forces Affecting Education in the 21st Century
Social changes, political forces, and economic pressures, as well as beliefs and values, continue to develop in the United States having a significant influence on education.
Population Diversity
Rapidly expanding diversity and changes in demographics affect U.S. education.
Although less present than previous generations, ethnocentrism continues to be a reality. Efforts to develop a positive multicultural curricula is essential.
Globalization
U.S. culture continues to be shaped by global issues and influences. This will also have a significant affect on education and educational practices.

12. Forces Affecting Education in the 21st Century (Cont.)
Technology
Advances in technology and developments influence curriculum decisions, modes of instruction, and communication with families.
Religious and Spiritual Variables
The U.S. has an increasing interest in spiritual concerns and the expansion of religious practices in local communities. However, in elementary schools religious dogma must remain outside any curriculum.
In some states, however, special-interest groups have contested secular orientation typical of American schools.

13. Partnerships and Collaborations
Traditionally, the American public viewed all education as the responsibility of schools, while parents were expected to support schools and teachers.
Since the 1950s, however, the community school movement, which advocates that schools, in addition to serving children, should serve the larger community, has emerged.
Today, partnerships with schools extends beyond the basics of establishing good relationships with schools. Businesses, volunteers, tutors, special projects, and others all form partnerships with schools and families.

14. Children with Specific Needs
Major social events in each generation result in social policy changes that affect persons with special needs. Since the early 20th century, there have been many different policies enacted that address these issues.
Children in Poverty
Monumental policies that address the needs of children living in poverty include The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, and educational programs such as Head Start and Project Follow Through.

15. Children with Specific Needs (Cont.)
Children with Disabilities
Similarly, efforts to improve conditions for children with disabilities have included the Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA), as well as special education programs in which children receive an individualized education program (IEP) and an individualized family service program (IFSP).
Since these laws have been enacted, the number of children classified as having disabling conditions have risen. In many instances, parents and educators have collaborated successfully in education children with special need.

16. Children with Specific Needs (Cont.)
Implications for Minority Populations
The history of the U.S. has been characterized by immigration and the presence of many different groups, cultures, races, ethnicities, and value systems.
Today, minority populations continue to face discrimination in many forms, especially in education. Immigration policies, world events, and new waves of immigrants have increased the need for schools to accommodate a diverse population.
Minority Populations and Families, the community, and schools
A long history of discrimination against minority populations continues to impact the education of minority students in many ways. Earlier practices of segregation, intolerance, and violence have resulted in serious alienation problems and further discrimination against minorities today.

17. Curriculum Emphasis On Diversity
Changes in Attitude
At the beginning of the 21st century, the prevailing attitude in the U.S. was that minorities and new immigrants should be assimilated into mainstream culture.
However, this view is now considered harmful; rather, acceptance of diverse cultural viewpoints and a sense of our pluralistic society are important curriculum goals.
Curriculum and Teaching Materials
A curriculum diversity presents materials from several perspectives, and people of all view points and abilities are viewed in a variety of situations and children study the contributions of many different groups.
However, there is still a significant bias, and teachers, families, and community workers must collaborate to overcome discrimination.

18. Summary
In this PowerPoint, we covered the following core concepts from Chapter 2:
Overview of Philosophical Viewpoints
Historical Patterns
Family as a Significant Educational Force
Community as a Significant Educational Force
School as a Significant Educational Force
Forces Affecting Education in the 21st Century
Partnerships and Collaborations
Children With Specific Needs
Curriculum Emphasis on Diversity
Summary