The Importance of Diverse and Democratic Schooling

883 Words2 Pages

The purpose of schools today is, unfortunately, to create a well-trained rather than well-educated workforce. However, the true purpose of schooling should be to educate all students equitably, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, etc., so that they can use logic and reasoning to make informed decisions (Spring, 6). Teachers are at the frontline in the struggle to create well-educated citizens within a diverse and democratic society. This essay will examine the criteria needed to create the ideal citizen of a diverse and democratic society, as well as how I as an educator plan to integrate and promote democracy and diversity in my teaching practices.

In order to promote diversity and democracy it is important to first define these terms. Diversity is that which is inherent in all humans. It is composed of the major and minor, physical and intangible differences that make us all individuals. It is a concept which invades every aspect of life: it is seen on the global scale in the differences between various nations (democratic vs. communist governments vs. dictatorships vs. monarchies), on the national level it is seen in the different groups/categories of people who make up American society (ex. White-non Hispanic, Hispanic, Black, Asian, Pacific Islander, Other), on the local level diversity is seen from one neighborhood to another (Ypsilanti vs. Ann Arbor), or even from one student to another within the classroom. Thus the concept of diversity applies to everyone. Diversity is not some distant issue to be dealt with by political committees and sub-committees. Its importance lies in the fact that it is and always will be a local, personal concern. It is a concept that all people must face al...

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...ho would discuss with the students their backgrounds, or beliefs and how these differences affect the students within and without the classroom.

Works Cited

Barber, Benjamin R. "Public Talk and Civic Action: Education for Participation in a Strong Democracy," Social Education, Volume 53, Number 6, Oct 1989.

Beane, James A. and Michael W. Apple. "The Case for Democratic Schools." Democratic Schools. Ed. Michael W. Apple and James A. Beane. Alexandria, VA: ASCD, 1995. 1-25.

Crittendon, Jack. "The Rise of Liberal Democracy." Democracy's Midwife: an education in deliberation. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2002.

Kohn, Alfie. Beyond Discipline: From Compliance to Community. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall, 1996.

Spring, Joel. "The Purposes of Public Schooling." American Education (9th edition). New York, NY: McGraw Hill, 2000. 3-27.

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