Reflections on the development of American schooling

Today I read about how American schooling experienced a change from a system based on apprenticeship to universal schooling. The authors argue that similar to how this Industrial Revolution resulted in the devleopment of universal schooling, the current Knowledge Revolution will lead to a need for lifelong learners to funcion in the changing society. The shift towards universal schooling took effect as a result of various socieal chages, and education was needed for social cohesion during such changes. The invention of the printing press, the Reformation, the American Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution were key factors in the implementation of universal schooling. As the educational system evolved during these societal shifts, it became very firm and resistant to further innovation. The authors argue that the school is becoming "More and more out of sync with the rapidly evolving technological society around them today".

Many school structures and institutions that were developed durng the first hundered years of universal schooling are still in place today (e.g. compulsory attendance, graded schools, tests, textbooks, carnegie units, and comprehensive high schools). For me, this is an example of why schools are seemed to be locked in their practices. Not much has changed since the Industrial Revolution. I don't think it is necessary for a complete systems change in schools. But adaptations can be made to the curent structure to individualize education so that students can become lifelong learners.

As a future teacher this will impact my ability to respond to change. I will now be more open minded and flexible to innovations in education that can better respond to our rapidly changing society. I now see technology as a way to improve the sytem to make learning more accessible to a diverse pool of students.