9-19-2011+Scholars+Corner+Questions

Scholars’ Corner It is important that educational leader (and every citizen for that matter) have a working understanding of the historical antecedents that define the American experience and are conversant in the origins of the rights of man and the collective as established in western civilization. All too often, educational leaders are well versed in methods and classroom management but lack a core liberal arts education that provides an intellectual framework, historical perspective or emotional linkage to the values and struggles that have shaped the nation’s consciousness. This class requires you to read and comprehend, but more importantly to think and consider the power of the ideas that gave rise to public education. In addition to these materials you will find seven discussion questions for the Scholars Corner. 1. In your own words how did the founders see the importance of an educated citizenry and the role of government in that realization? 2. Of the readings marked with an *, which one was most important to you? 3. How might the charter school movement be reshaping the discussion of integration and separate but equal? (If at all?) 4. Would a Meritocracy re-establish the true spirit of the American dream? 5. How is technology impacting the historic sense of “common culture?” (see Rise of the Meritocracy)* 6. What foundations for court rulings in equal access and diversity cases are found in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution 7. What are two or three identifiable, common cultural foundations of American society today?