Schooling III: Ten Reasons Why Public Schools Are Needed

I so often hear people, from all walks of life, rail against the failures of public education...Sometimes for very good reason, but often as a result of misplaced expectations. Initially, public education was to act as a bulwark against widespread ignorance over universal truths, like science and math. And as a hedge against insurrection fomented against a fledgling nation and, later, in opposition to those who would operate against a world power. It would prepare the masses to succeed as leaders of the republic, and as captains of industry.

The right to an education is not expressly mentioned in the Articles of the Constitution. Instead, it was interpreted as a right by the U.S. Supreme Court, by virtue of the 'pursuit of happiness' clause. That is about all the agreement that exists in this country over public education. As with many other laws, the Constitution leaves it to her individual States to implement its civil liberties. Most people know the history of uneven allocation of educational resources practiced by this nation manifesting from its 'separate but equal' laws. Even before that legal imposition, wealthy people, routinely pursued a private education whenever they could. That brings us to now, when after decades of miseducation, neglect and widespread criticism, and sometimes unfair mischaracterizations, public education -- particularly urban and rural education -- is seen as the least desirable option for children by many quarters of our society.

That leads me to the following list of ten reasons why public school is still an important civil right, and to why, despite its shortcomings, it remains the best proposition for the American public, especially the urban and rural poor.

1. Education is not free, or even a right, for people in many nations around the world.

2. Public schools are still a viable means of providing a basic education for the masses.

3. Schools provide a place of custody for millions of children in the country while their guardians try to access the labor market -- keeping them safe from neglect or exploitation.

4. Schools provide a free or reduced cost meal for children who might otherwise go without nutritional food.

5. Public schools provide an efficient means for rendering other essential services such as health care and information that might not otherwise reach needy families.

6. Public schooling holds possibilities for inspiring youth and families to exceed limited expectations and improve their standard of living.

7. Most schools are connected to other non-academic opportunities for youth such as athletics, music and the arts.

8. Public education encourages diversity and tolerance, directly or indirectly.

9. Schools are businesses. They provide employment and recreational opportunities for neighborhood residents that help stabilize otherwise blighted communities.

10. Public education is a means of perpetuating the best American ideals of opportunity for all.

Why doesn't this enumeration include the lofty notions of academic excellence, ingenuity, or a free range for young American minds that most educators are trained to espoused? Because that is simply not a reality for all school.