Instructions: From the selections listed below, your group should pick out the 10 most important purposes of education. From the 10 your group chose, prioritize the top 5 purposes of education, with number 1 being the most important priority, 2 the second most important priority and so forth. Your group must come to consensus before you can list a purpose as a priority. Be able to explain the reasoning behind your choices.

 

 

·       To transmit cultural heritage, preserving past accomplishments and insights

·       To encourage students to question current practices and institutions and promote social change

·       To prepare competent workers to compete successfully in a technological world economy

·       To develop healthy citizens aware of nutrition, exercise and good health habits

·       To lead the world in creating a peaceful, global society stressing an understanding and appreciation of other cultures and languages

·       To provide education for America’s brightest students

·       To develop strong self-concept and self-esteem in students

·       To nurture creative students in developing art, music and writing

·       To prevent unwanted pregnancy, AIDS, drug addiction and alcohol addiction

·       To unite citizens from diverse backgrounds (national origin, race, ethnicity, etc.) as a single nation with a unified culture

·       To provide support to families through after-school child care, nutritional supplements, medical treatments and so on

·       To encourage loyal students committed to the United States; to instill patriotism

·       To teach our nation’s work ethic: punctuality, responsibility cooperation, self-control, neatness and so on

·       To demonstrate academic proficiency through high test scores

·       To provide a dynamic vehicle for social and economic mobility, a way for the poor to reach their full potential

·       To prepare educated citizens who can undertake actions that can spark change

·       To eliminate racism, sexism, homophobia anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination from society

·       To prepare as many children as possible for college and/or well-paid careers.

                                                                      (Sadker & Sadker, 2005 pp. 136-138)