Blog Assignment Part 1 - Part One Boom

           Education in America has helped countless citizens have a progressive future. Throughout history, countless residents have reached their American dream because of the education system. However, education is a privilege Americans experience if supported by the government or their personal backgrounds. Carl F. Kaestle’s introduction in, School: The Story of American Education, explains the upbringing and foundation of the school system for students. Kaestle mentions how in the 1800s, education was not a priority for colonial Americans and this only changed when American politics realized how essential education is. Although for different intentions, positive and negative results came thereafter. With the installment of public education in America, it has helped unify and divide the nation.  

In Part One of, School: The Story of American Education, Kaestle describes the initial modes of public education. His primary remarks discussed how a student’s background, race and gender directly impacted the quality of education they received. His notes further explained that public education was a privilege for students and how others were less fortunate to experience it. To this extent, education has helped students realize how vital of a tool it is for their future. However, this mentality has created a barrier for less fortunate students that were not offered the same opportunities due to their upbringings. 

Early American education has divided students. In Part One of “The Common School”, Kaestle highlights the African American community in Boston, Massachusetts. “They were the dreamers. They were the ones who believed in an America that was hard to imagine, an America without race discrimination. An America in which all people irrespective of race, creed or color would have equal access to public institutions, public places. They were dreams” (Kaestle, 2002, pg. 46). The African American community did not have the same opportunities as the White community in America because of segregation. This fact can be compared to a discussion held in my group’s chat session. We mentioned how less fortunate students, no matter their race or gender, are the unlucky “bunch”. We said, “It was a dice roll from what kind of background you are born to.” Unfortunately, this is the reality of the world and to be punished because of it is what divides students in this nation.  

School has shaped the lives of different types of students. The American public education system created a foundation for the betterment of all student's future in mind. Although not a perfect system, it has helped define the lives of these students in the American public. As the centuries have passed, education has become a staple in every student’s life. This was due to years of a redefined learning process that has helped these students' future. Due to this process, positive results have concluded and a personal example of this is me. School has helped me become an inclusive member of society. Learning to read and write along with practicing my skills, has only helped me become a successful member of society. This is all due to the American education system, which was created for this type of successful standard.

Throughout America, the education system has been redefined. Created for the purpose of having an educated society, it has had its flaws. Although not a perfect system, it has helped unify and divide America for different reasons. In Part One of “The Common School”, Carl F. Kaestle explains the differences in early onset education. To create a better future for the American nation, school has helped shaped its students. As mentioned before, even though it is not a perfect system, it has defined the lives of the American public.