Education - Parents are Failing

In the 1800’s people like Horace Mann and Thomas Jefferson sought to create common schooling.  “The common-school reformers argued for the case on the belief that common schooling could create good citizens unite society and prevent crime and poverty. As a result of their efforts, free public education at the elementary level was available for all American children by the end of the 19th century”.  In the absence of public schools the responsibility for education rested fully on the family.  Most received their education as part of the family experience.  A fortunate few possessed the resources for formal education from a private institution. A History of Public Education

The American school system has played a key role in our society.  Millions have received greater opportunity to grow and develop spiritually and intellectually as a result of public schools. Education available to all Americans has truly aided in making our society free and it has given many the opportunities to improve their lives.  If chasing the American dream is compared to climbing a ladder, public education provides the rungs for advancement.  The goals set out by Horace Mann have been accomplished.  Public education has created good citizens and helped to unite our society.  

Public education has transformed this country in many positive ways.  With success, however, have come some unfortunate side affects.  The effort to provide opportunity for all allows for complacency in some.  An effective school system does not mean parents can off-load their responsibility.  With each successive generation families defer more and more of their obligations to the school.  

It is evident that some people believe it is the school’s responsibility to raise children.  The attitude began with a simple assumption that “the school” will take care of some responsibilities of parents.  Today, the school assumes the primary role of raising kids and the family has a diminished role.

We have come too far since the days of Horace Mann.  Now the expectation is that the school should educate, transport, baby sit, feed and care for our children.  We expect the school to feed our kids breakfast and lunch for free!  We expect the school to supervise our children between the end of the school day and the end of the work day (day care).  We expect the school to solve academic, emotional, and physical problems for the family.  It is simply too much to ask of any institution.  

Our schools are doing good things but the institution should never replace parents.  Even the most highly trained caring adults cannot substitute for a loving mom and dad.