Representation is not as simple as protecting your own beliefs and rights. Representation means thinking beyond yourself and doing what is best for those you serve. One cannot assume to understand another's life if he or she does not seek out more knowledge. However, policy makers sometimes operate under the assumption they know what is best for constituents, regardless of reality. In Administration and the Other, Farmbry stated an administrator should understand the complexity of realities faced by the members of the public with whom he or she is concerned to be effective (2010). Administrators must constantly seek information to better serve those whom they represent. “The most productive governments, the most efficient governments, and the most economizing governments can still be perpetuating poverty, inequality of opportunity and injustice (Frederickson 2010, p. 48).” Governments perpetuate inequity with …show more content…
If injustices occur and the government does nothing to correct it, the administrators are failing the people. Despite the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision ruling segregated schools unequal and unconstitutional, the “educational achievement gap between white and minority students remains large, and differences in access to quality public education are astounding (Gooden 2014, p.30).” The mission statement for the U.S. Department of Education is “to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access (DOE n.d.). The department strives to prepare the student for the real world and provide the same opportunities for all children. This is a paramount goal, and the department's shortcomings are palpable. Even more pressing is the direction in which the department will