Running head: FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

Foundations of Education Jose Raul Gonzalez MTE/501 - The Art and Science of Teaching May 18, 2011 Sally Fierro

FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

Foundations of Education When the United States was in its infancy, the foundations of education were simply the three Rs: reading, riting, and rithmetic. Over the years with the intention of bettering society, the legislature has tried continually to improve education. In this drive for improvement, they have lost sight of the basic foundations of education and have created new programs without soliciting feedback from the educators who must implement the changes to the curriculum. To make effective, meaningful reform to our education system, the legislators must keep in mind the basic foundations of education and must consult the educators in the field to understand the needs in the classroom. When school administrators or legislators mandate the implementation of reforms without input from teachers in the field, some teachers fear that the reforms will require use of material designed only to prepare the student to pass a specific assessment. Also, some teachers contend that the mandates ignore their judgment regarding the needs of each individual student. Teachers aired these same concerns when the federal government implemented the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001. The key to success is to involve a critical mass of teachers nationwide from the first day the project is moved into the schools (Lee, 2011). Ideas for reform should flow from the teachers in the field who are the skilled professionals up to the project leaders prior to implementation. Also teachers in the classroom should make the determination whether the Common Core work is successful. This method involves participants at all levels of the project which motivates the participants to take ownership for their part in implementing reform, thus transforming themselves into a learning community (Lee, 2011). The roll of the federal and state government

FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

Throughout American history, the federal and state governments have participated in the shaping of the education system. The federal government intervenes in education with the stated purpose of protecting national security, helping the poor, and ensuring that the United States remains technologically competitive on a global scale. Some examples of government intervention in education include the National Defense Education Act (NDEA) passed by Congress in 1958 intending to enhance the security of the nation by improving instruction in math, science, and foreign languages. In 1983 the National Commission on Excellence in Education coined the phrase at-risk students to identify students who lacked the technological skills to compete in modern society. In addition, the G.W. Bush administration implemented the NCLB Act with the purpose of creating better educators by making them accountable for student performance on a standardized test. Most recently, President Obama implemented the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help struggling states and districts attract qualified teachers (Kauchak & Eggen, 2011). However, none of these federal government interventions have included the input of a critical mass of teachers who work directly with the students in the classroom. Returning to basics In colonial times the foundations of education were the three Rs: reading, riting, and rithmetic. Each community decided what should be in the curriculum. As society progressed, these original foundations of education changed to meet the changing needs of society (Kauchak & Eggen, 2011). Today legislators pay no attention to the critical importance of immediate grassroots engagement even though the legislators know that the teachers locally are those who must implement the changes they dictate (Lee, 2011). Conclusion

FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

Prior to making any changes in the education system, legislators should consult the educators in the field because teachers are in touch with the needs in the classroom. Above all the legislators should keep in mind the basic foundations of education. By incorporating these two basic ideas, legislators will avoid mandating unnecessary programs and ineffective reform.

FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

References Gilmore, J. (April 19, 2004). No Child Left Unbrainwashed. The New American, 20(8), 12-18. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Kauchak, D., & Eggen, P. (2011). Introduction to teaching: Becoming a professional (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Klock, J. (2010, December). Building novel connections in an increasingly standardized world. Teacher librarian, 38(2), 15. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Lee, J. O. (2011, March). Reach teachers now to ensure common core success. Phi delta pi record, 92(6), 42-44. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.