Week 2: BLOG #2: As American as Public School

TRIANGLE
In the video, As American as Public School: 1900-1950, there were different functions in those particular schools than what they have today. For instance, in the first part of the 20th century the school system was only part-time, based on the high popularity of schooling. School was offered during the day as well as during the night. They had an exercise routine that was similar to today’s schools. The main focus was I.Q tests, American tradition and changes in the school system. I.Q testes were important because many of the children that did well, got a scholarship to Stanford University, but this was not a good way to test a child. Many of the children that were being testing did not speak English well. This contributed to a negative factor because if the child came from an immigrant family, the teachers would assume that they would do better in other industries as labors. This caused a major problem because a child did not have an opportunity to achieve what they really wanted to. For instance, in the video two brothers of Hispanic heritage were not going to get a good educational opportunity until one who was in the Navy spoke to the Director and pressured him that he would do well, and he actually became an important figure. American tradition was a required in the school system. Students who were Jews had to follow the rules and forget about their traditions while in school. They would celebrate different traditions, which were new to them. Religion was also practiced within the school system. Change in the school system was important because it offered students different curriculum as well as field trips. This contributed positively for a student because they would go and learn other things. Youth had a different concept around justice, because they were not given the opportunity to prove their skills to anyone, it was all based on an I.Q test which was not a fair to many especially if they did not speak the language. This brought opportunity to others, but was not an equal opportunity.

SQUARE
Having change in a school setting is important for a child because they have other things to think about not only numbers and letters. The change in the school system was a good plan because the children had an opportunity to explore new things. For instance, having a swimming pool makes school more interesting. But, many of the parents did not agree with this particular change because they wanted their child to learn not to play. A child needs to have a good childhood in order to succeed in the future. It is important for them to build good memories, but sometimes it is imposable.

CIRCLE
It is important to understand that stereotyping has always contributed to negative aspects in anyone life. For instance, many of the students were being stereotyped based on their social class, gender and many were placed on different curriculum. This stereotypical approach closed many doors to many children. Most of the time they would know who would work in a desk and who would work in a trench. They also believed that ethnicity affected intelligence and also quality of people. Can today’s stereotypical approach affect a child’s ability to succeed in life?