The American School 1642 - 2004

by Joel Spring

This current, comprehensive history of American education is designed to stimulate critical analysis and critical thinking by offering alternative interpretations of each historical period. The point of view taken by this text emphasizes 1) the role of multiculturalism and cultural domination in shaping U.S. schools, 2) the position of the school as one of many institutions that manage the distribution of ideas in society, 3) racism as a central issue in U.S. history and U.S. educational history, and 4) economic issues as an important factor in understanding the evolution of U.S. schools.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

448 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2004

Reviews

[P Chulhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough investigation of the history of schools in the U.S., The American School puts forth a bold interpretation of the purpose and function of schools in the past with profound implications for American education and society today. Education isn't simply an innocuous and positive buzz word, it's the primary vehicle for a particular kind of prejudiced and elitist Anglo-Protestant hegemonic agenda, often at the expense of academic rigour. If you think that this kind of brainwashing is part of America's "primitive" past, think again. It's ironic that Americans often criticize the perspectives of other countries as having too much bias. As someone who endured American public education, this book is a refreshing look in the mirror.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joel Spring offers a well referenced survey of American education history from the 18th century to the early 20th century including perspectives from multiple historians. After the 1930s, he focuses on cultural forces; the influencers he depicts do not come from within the field of education. The passivity Spring shows from the field of education is either a poor depiction or a major change which needs to be explained.