The major conflict being described in the reading is whether who has control of children. The reading describes multiple conflicts that pertain to this subject, and in multiple scenarios, there have been cases that the government has had control over and some cases that they have not. The government’s rule seems to be limiting parental control.  

2. Who are the main players in the conflict?

The main players in the conflict are the governments (state or country’s), those that run the schools, parents, and children. The parents feel as though they have no control over their children’s education due to what the governments say and put law, even subjects that go against their religious and everyday beliefs. The majority of this reading however, describes the conflict with the just parents and the government.

3. In your opinion, Are the decisions and responsibilities of a child’s education up to the parent, the teacher, the community/tax payers, the government, the church, or a combination of all of these stakeholders?

I believe that a parent should be able to choose education-based decisions for a child when it comes to personal religious beliefs and customs, not the entire curriculum. I think that the government and teachers should accommodate these specifically. Accommodations can be put in place for specific subjects. I do think that curriculums are up to the schools and who run them, but they can also have room to cater to those parents who do not believe in or are not in agreement with specific subjects.

4. Why (do you feel your answer is justified)?

I feel that there needs to be a common curriculum for most schools, and that parents cannot decide that just based on limited reasons. When it comes to religion, public schools should be able to accommodate that, whether that includes teaching around certain topics that go against it or giving the child a different topic to learn separately. Two examples that stood out to be were with the accommodation towards the Amish, and the ignoring of those who were offended by some discussions geared towards their religions. Most public schools work with people’s religious beliefs (holidays, meals, etc.) or just everyday beliefs (political views, environmental views, etc.). Parents should be involved in their child’s education for these specific purposes, yet not have total control over it unless they decide to take action and privately educate their children (through private school/homeschool).

5. Who plays a bigger part or should have a bigger say in these decisions?

I think that both parents and those that run the schools should play an equal part in these decisions. I think that they need to work hand in hand to create a positive atmosphere for students.

6. Why (do you feel your answer is justified)?

I think that this would help create a comfortable and stable atmosphere in schools. It would lay a solid ground for a child’s education.