Danielle Allen's Argument to American Education. by Deea Kapoor

What Allen feels the education system should promote.

dk1312 — 2024-10-07 20:54:25 UTC

Danielle Allen's perception of education is comparatively different than America's perspective. Allen belives that the education system should be designed in such a manner that provides students the ability to be proper members of a democratic government. Our government is composed in a manner where the state of our country is based of the voices and votes of the citizens. For this to occur properly the general population needs to be fully educated, especially in the humanitarian topics.

The current American Education System

dk1312 — 2024-10-07 20:54:57 UTC

Allen explains that she views the current education system to be predominantly focused on STEM subjects. This emphasis does not give students accurate means to represent themselves and be functioning members of society to the individual's full potential. the deprivation of subjects such as philosophy prevents students from developing critical thinking skills that provide these students with stable careers later in life.

Allen's understanding of the current education system.

dk1312 — 2024-10-07 20:56:18 UTC

Allen can understand the reasoning for why there is an emphasis on STEM subjects. Many feel as if a strong understanding of these topics are the only way students can acquire stable and well-paying careers. Though this thought process contains many cognitive holes. To be successful in the STEM field students still need to know how to accurately represent and articulate themselves.

The emphasis on standardized testing.

dk1312 — 2024-10-07 20:56:41 UTC

Currently, the grading system in majority of the American education system is focused on test scores. This is incomparable to true civic intelligence. One problem with test scores is that it is easily fabricated. those with more monetary access can pour more money into outside activities that will raise these scores. That is why certain communities score lower. This also does not reflect any form of creativity which is a key component of a successful career.

How is education related to democracy?

dk1312 — 2024-10-07 20:57:10 UTC

Flaws within the education system

dk1312 — 2024-10-07 20:57:22 UTC

lack of interpersonal eductation

dk1312 — 2024-10-07 20:58:16 UTC

Allen makes a point to explain how current education is comprised of independent student learning. As time progresses students have more and more minimal interactions between students for learning occurs. Allen explains how this is called "personalized learning". This method deprives students of communication skills one of the most important skills a student needs to have a conventionally successful future. As well their is a lack of critical thinking as the banter and debate between students is mitigated. lastly, there is a lack of teamwork another crucial aspect in any job field necessary for success.

A continuation of inequality

dk1312 — 2024-10-07 20:58:43 UTC

Allen points out a crucial problem within the education system. Already perpetuating socio-economic differences within communities leads to a continuation of this inequality through education. Since America does not provide a standard and equal education to all of America there becomes a cycle of generation inequality that is very difficult to break. Students within disenfranchised backgrounds are less exposed to resources and tools that will better their education. In this country education is directly correlated with long term job security and salary. Allen argues that to fix this there needs to be reforms where the level of education becomes equalized

The purpose of education?

dk1312 — 2024-10-07 21:01:29 UTC

Culture and Democracy

dk1312 — 2024-10-07 21:05:41 UTC

The education system must be cohesive throughout America to perpetuate a similar culture. This system needs to address inequalities to help better unify the country. the more unified a culture is in this country the more functioning the country's democracy will be. This culture needs to foster mutual respect and understanding of all people and their personal opinions. This will only be retained if the education students receive does not regard their social class and economic status.

Stats on the inequality

dk1312 — 2024-10-07 21:09:38 UTC

"In 2015, the average reading score for white students on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 4th and 8th grade exam was 26 points higher than black students. Similar gaps are apparent in math. The 12th grade assessment also show alarming disparities as well, with only seven percent of black students performing at or above proficient on the math exam in 2015, compared to 32 percent white students"

(UCNF.org)