Expanding Roles of Education:

Welfare, Workplace, and Meritocracy

Kate Franklin, Connie Miller, Mindy Cinqmars, Renee Kilcup, Guy Simpson,

Sara Lewis, Justin Brooks

Assessment Questions

1.       Q:  Explain how the forces and individuals surrounding the argument over education during the period of 1870-1920 shaped modern education.

A:  The effect of these forces on the education system can be seen in such measures as the prevalence of vocational education and educational tracking, the use of standardized tests as designed by Yerkes, the belief that schools can be “scientifically managed,” Darwin’s theory of evolution being manipulated into the theory of social Darwinism, and the use of schools for political and economic gain.

2.      Q:  Why do you think society was interested in having schools that created “Americanized", efficient workers?

A:  The advancement of society was seen to begin with citizens who knew their place in society and were able to work cooperatively with others so that the United States could compete, mainly with Europe, on the global market.

3.      Q:  How did immigration change the face of public schools?

A:  The influx of immigrants between 1870 and 1920 led to schools being seen as an institution for the socialization necessary to be an American.  Schools also provided social services for children and families such as serving as social centers and offering playgrounds.  The development of school caste system between immigrants and “white Americans” also developed.