Common Core Goals Of Preparing University Students

1. Today’s Common Core goals of schooling put a focus on preparing students for University, namely preparing them for University coursework. One such example of this is demonstrated in the great emphasis placed on the teaching of literacy as a tool for the completion of University coursework, rather than as a tool to expand the mind and to expand one’s awareness of the world. In the early years of public schools, literacy was taught as a way to promote equal opportunity, and to lead students to become informed citizens in the future by providing them with the ability to read newspapers, as well as theoretical and political texts. This exhibits a shift in focus from preparing future citizens and political leaders to preparing future University students and an office place workforce. Throughout the years, educational goals have also reflected public opinion and current events of the time period. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, there was a push to promote the Americanization of immigrants in schools, highlighting the xenophobia and ethnocentrism that was prevalent during this period. Between the 1950s and 1980s, schools promoted “racial and cultural harmony,” reflecting the societal change in mindset as a result of

Protected childhood places an emphasis on the wellbeing and happiness of students, while prepared childhood focuses on the preparation of the child for his future as an adult, rather than being concerned with the child’s present happiness (Spring, 2013, p.4). There have always been elements of both of these in the public education system, but throughout time there has been a shifting balance between the two. Today’s Common Core Standards, with a focus on preparing students for University, are an example of a shift toward prepared