Comparing The Works Of Horace Mann And George Washington

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Educational institutions impact our nation in many more various ways than the typical citizen may understand. Although the influences are immeasurable, some argue about the purposes of education and how it should affect the society of the United States of America. Others, such as Horace Mann, believed education should mold young children to become morally good citizens. He believed this objective would be achieved by implementing common schooling. George Washington, on the other hand, believed that education should be reserved for the elitist. Mister Washington claimed that the purpose of education was to mold and build the future leaders of the United States of America. However, both theories, along with others, have their flaws in addressing …show more content…

Horace Mann is a man who is presumed to be in complete disagreement with George Washington's belief in education. Horace Mann is popularly known as the "father of common schools" (Spring, 2011.) The term "common schools" is referred to what is now commonly known as public schooling. Mann, originally working as a lawyer, focused on working in the line of work of education with the belief of making prominent influences on society. Mann's focus was making a morally good society by providing a common education to all. This concept of common education is implemented by having educational institutions, which are supported by the community, that accept all students from rich to poor. Having this common curriculum removes the advantage of the elite and allows everyone to obtain the same knowledge. While Horace Mann promoted common schooling and equal opportunity to the same knowledge, this ideal of an equalist removes the knowledge of controversial topics in history and political differences. This proclaimed purpose of education was also argued due to the lack of this aspect of education. By educating students of political differences and historical tragedies, pupils can utilize critical thinking skills, formulate their own beliefs, and learn from the nation's past to make informed decisions on issues …show more content…

With time ideals change, and the school system has become complicated with more interest in education and increased in involvement from political leaders. Numerous concerns developed such as the matter of sex education and character education. However, in the modern times of technology and innovation, the United States of America is driven by numbers regarding economics. Therefore, the finest purpose of education is to prepare students for careers and contribute to the national economy to compete globally. One of the following theorists that supports this concept is Horace