PBS Episode Four: "The Story Of Schools"

Episode Three of PBS “The Story of Schools” provided an in depth look at the transformation of schools from the `80’s to the present. With the introduction of technology, schools were elevated into a more current student-learning center. Computers now lined the walls of classrooms, and were used in almost every subject to enhance knowledge of content.

During this time period, the educational system around the country also went through the “business model” of schools. This meant that schools operated more with privatistic motives now, than ever before in the history of education. The money that the schools were making, with this newfound business model, in some opinions were valued over student success within schools. This capitalistic mindset was introduced through the invention of charter schools. Charter schools were advertised to bring higher educational opportunities to low-income students were schools represented the state of their neighborhoods. With a cash voucher from the government, students and their families were given the right of choice.

This episode really opened my eyes to the way that education is headed in the next few years. With Betsy Devos as the new secretary of education, her plans to privatize school, which proved to be unsuccessful in many “experiments” such as Ohio. It made me realize my own ideals in the sense that I believe now that education and student excellence doesn’t have to be elitist. Schools need the primary focus of their purpose to be education, not money.