Theorists and philosophers around the world have tried to pinpoint
what the true purpose of education should be for students. Over the course
of history, the purpose of education in the United States has evolved
according to developmental changes that have occurred in our society's
economic, social, and cultural order. There are several questions, however,
that can be debated from these principles. How much of these things should
influence what and how children are taught in schools? Do children who come
from lower economic and social backgrounds have an equal opportunity to
learn when compared with children who come from wealthy families? Should
all children in the U.S. be taught the same curriculum even if they don't
come from the same physical areas, and if so, what should they be learning?
Because of questions like these, controversy concerning the purpose and
goals of education for students ages K-12 continues to be an issue in the
Despite mixed opinions, most educators use the terms goals and
objectives to distinguish among levels of purpose, with goals being broader
and objectives being more specific (Orstein/Levine, 395). One of the most
prevalent goals of American education at the national, state, and local
level is to prepare students to enter the working world with skills that
will allow them to function in our growing society. This includes students
having the ability to master basic skills that deal with reading, writing,
and logical and/or mathematical processes. These principles are taught
using the mental discipline approach, which supports the idea that the mind
is strengthened through mental activities, just as the body is strengthened
by exercising (Orstein/Levine, 400). Many people believe that this method
of education does produce successful individuals that contribute to
socie...