Reflection on Part Four :1980-2000, The Bottom Line

            Reading Part Four: 1980-2000, The Bottom Line was an interesting read. This chapter spoke about how America had to find better ways to get public schools curriculum suitable and working for all students to be ready for the workforce and/or college. America was ranked the lowest in reading and math scores throughout the nation. The government did not approve of this and wanted to make a change within the public system so that all students can have a better opportunity in higher education and gain a better future for themselves. In this section, I had chosen to use one WORD, one PHRASE, and one SENTENCE with evidence to back up your choices.   

Word: Curriculum

I chose this word because having a good curriculum in place would not only better the test scores but also help better each student that want to create a better future for themselves and the world. The economy was facing harsh times with trying to build a better curriculum so that all students had a fair chance of higher education. The curriculum during the 1980s-2000s was a big issue because students were having low scores on the math and reading test and this was a big disappointment within the American society. People try to find the solution in investing in companies to help try to make the schools better and help with the curriculum standards. Solutions that were implemented were making smaller classrooms, giving vouchers to low-income students, and even having other companies sponsor their own ideas to help create a better school environment. With all these trails and errors in place, I find that the curriculum system still needs to be worked on of helping students be more prepared for college and the workforce.

Phrase: The future of a democracy depends on the education of its people. Page 213

            I chose this phrase because education is very important and if you design a lack of education you’re really creating a democracy of lost opportunities for many people. Kids are our future and we as a nation must do our best to create a better education so that we can create a better future for all. David Tyack had mentioned that we need to work together and in order to help the next generation. We should not create solutions that would tear the public systems apart, we should create more solutions that would advance the school curriculum so that the kids of tomorrow can have a better education.  

Sentence: You can’t teach a child how to think unless you have something for him to think about. Page 209

           

            I chose this sentence because this is so true. In order for a child to really understand and focus on a subject, you must give the child the proper tools for them to focus on. Without the right materials, the child would just be lost and would not bother to educate themselves further. The problem in the past was that education was not fair. Many kids had to either drop out and find their own path in life or deal with the system and do their best to create a successful lifestyle for themselves. Especially for those who were poor and could not afford to be in a good school and get the proper education. Things are changing now and the most we can do as a nation is keep bettering the education so that all students can succeed in life and continue to create a better future.