Innovators and Makers

The "innovators" and "makers" of public schools consist of two different types of people. The "innovators" of public school are people that influenced schools directly by utilizing their philosphies and actions to promote change in education. The "makers" of public school are people who were successful in the "corporate world." Their success began a progressive change in education as well. Children began to be taught how to succed in their society (in the corporate world) instead of learning basic, pertinent knowledge to have a wholistic, broad education.

One "innovator" that I feel like truly affected public education today is Horace Mann. Although, Mann studied to become a lawyer, he eventually dedicated his life to social reforms. He completely revolutionized schools. Many schools had very poor learning environments, and students would only go to school for certain classes during the winter. He developed the State Board of Education and became it's first secretary. He also set up training facilities for teachers, and created funding resources for the schools.

One "maker" that influenced public education is John D. Rockefeller. Rockefeller is the founder of standard oil. He had a natural talent for business. At the age of 20 he established his own oil business with Marice Clark. The Standard Oil Company was developed in 1870 that put other firms out of business. Rockefeller eventually became a philanthropist and contributed to his church and other charitable organizations.

I chose Horace Mann to be an "innovator" because he was a driven, visionary man who improved the condition of schools during his time. His insight has changed how schools function today. Schools still have teacher trainings, decent materials, and they are run by a State Board of Education.

I chose John D. Rockefeller as a "maker" of schools because his success in the oil business has caused education to drive their students to be successful in the "corporate world." John Gatto believes that Rockefeller had a hand in causing students to be molded into a corporate being instead of learning values, and what is truly important in life such as family.

Although I understand Gatto's argument, I highly doubt Rockefeller intentionally caused "jail-like schools" to evolved over time. He was an intelligent, driven man who had a natural knack for business and knew how to create a life for himself.

However, I do agree with Gatto in that Rockefeller inadvertantly influenced education through his career. He perhaps unknowingly instilled educators and school boards during his time to teach their students how to be successful like Rockefeller. This mentality has trickled through education since Rockefeller's day and has caused a downward spiral. Now children are forced to go to school. Schools are becoming more dangerous and education has become "dummied down." How is the US school system going to get out this mess?

Resources:

http://www.johndrockefeller.org/

https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/orgTools/ouHome/ouHome.asp?ou=1439730

https://elearn.mtsu.edu/d2l/orgTools/ouHome/ouHome.asp?ou=1439730