Assignment 3 (Reflection I) - Juvan Davis

PART ONE: The Common School (1770-1900)

 

        From my readings of the first part of the “Story of American public education”, I have observed and made to realize so much new things.  My reflection on part one which is entitled ‘The Common School’, I was finally mindful and made to realize how the improvement and growth of the school system then and now has improved drastically.  The way in which the buildings are built and structured now versus then has changed and even the way in which persons were taught or treated in the school system has transformed as well now maybe not by much but there is a slight development.  The way the environment was described in the book it was hard for me to read seeing it seemed as though these children were to learn in a hazardous and insecure environment.  I am thankful for the environment I have encountered in my days of schooling for it is way better than what it was in that era.  The education system then was so unfair and prejudice and to see myself attending school in that particular period would not sit right with me at all, for I would not be able to learn and pursue my goals and career path as I am today.  Also, what I picked up from this section of the book is that students who were families were not as financially stable as others were mistreated and those who were financially stable were still exposed to modest and mediocre conditions such as uncomfortable chairs, bad lightening of classrooms, and no resources for learaning as well as unqualified professors.  While reading, I stumbled upon the name of Horace Mann and he was the person who started and led the movement in the education system for making it better.  His movement was about equality amongst students, so no matter the skin color or social class you were in, all students should be able to obtain the same standard knowledge and learning.  Many progress were made through meetings and by his hard work as well as the community’s work, the children were able to receive their education in a safe, friendly and comfortable environment.

        I was placed in a group with fellow classmates to discuss our findings and from our meetings which was quite hard to make do seeing this class was online so it was quite difficult finding times to meet up and discuss.  But none the less, we tried and made a way to discuss.  We all were on the same path as to where we were like disgusted as to how education was then and how we are thankful for what we have now even though it might not always be good or the best, but it is way better than back then.  We also talked about how students back then couldn’t afford school then and there was no help involved to aid them in getting to attend school financially but now we have things like grants, financial aid, scholarship, sponsors and so much more.  Again, we are all grateful for it because some of us too do use these aids and benefits as well.

        When it came to the group assignment of ranking the words, phrases and sentences we did it by significance and what stood out.  For instance, when it came to the words, we placed religion to be first seeing there is where it all began by students being classified and treated according to their religion and social classes.  Then came the word eliminate, which was placed second seeing this was a strong word which was used to mention the movement leading to the elimination of the bad school system.  Lastly the word prototype was used to represent how the urban charity school was made in place of the common school for students to actually have a good education and student life.

        As a group we were all on the same terms and understanding and one thing we liked and praised about the part one was Mr. Mann, because if it wasn’t for him who know how things would have been now. His movement did a major impact on the school system and we are so thankful that he did it.  

Below Are Some Labelled Pictures:

            Horace Mann                Common School Classrooms      The Common School Era 1770-1900