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Essay / Jonathan Kozol's Critique of the American School System in Its Wild Inequalities There is clearly something wrong with this image. Like Zander Sherman, the author of this quote, Jonathan Kozol focuses on the disparities that exist within the education system, highlighting many differences between schools serving different social classes and races. The book is based on his assessment of the school system, through observation of the school systems of New York, Camden, Chicago and Washington DC, among others, which he spent time studying. This is a sociological book intended to contribute to the reassessment and redesign of the American school system, to make it a level playing field for students of all backgrounds, regardless of financial status, race or any other differentiating factor. .Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essaySummaryChapter OneThe author recounts his extensive experience in the school system, taking note of schools with disparity in funding and spending within different schools. During his various visits to some of the schools, the author paints a picture of dismay and disappointment at the languishing state of many facilities in the lower schools. Issues such as student overcrowding, unsanitary environments and lack of basic teaching equipment such as textbooks call into question the government's commitment to the education sector. These schools face various challenges, such as the inability to maintain an active workforce. “Schools announce layoffs of 280 teachers, 166 cooks and cafeteria workers, 25 teacher aides, 16 janitors and 18 painters, electricians, engineers and plumbers.”Chapter TwoIn addition, it is concerning that many regions in poor shape L The State is the one responsible for welcoming minorities. Geographic areas with the greatest number of minority groups have the greatest number of blighted schools. This is hardly surprising since these regions also have some of the lowest levels of literacy, which would logically mean that they deserve to have facilities at least equal to, if not better than, those available to others. He references numerous complaints filed by residents of such school districts as Chicago's North Lawndale and South Side. In many of these cases, judges favored residents, but little appears to have changed in terms of the quality of education offered. Chapter Three The major topic covered in this chapter of the text is that of minority communities such as Hispanics and Blacks having difficulty obtaining a quality education. This school of thought suggests that these communities receive less funding and have less developed facilities due to their actions, such as high crime rates near schools that discourage large-scale funding caused by fear of less due of criminal or hooligan behavior. Although it is arguably true that it plays a role in determining the overall direction of schools. However, from a moral perspective, it is illogical and simply punitive to punish students for wrongdoing by others within their community. A student cannot and must not be discriminated against for reasonsreasons beyond his control. lower social classes and many minority groups in the country. It also argues that racism and segregation are still alive and well within society, with the education sector at the forefront of persistent prejudice against minority races. The injustice caused by inequality in taxation and the resulting inequitable distribution of funds is intended to empower those already at the top of the educational food chain and leave those born into disadvantaged backgrounds without any means of climb the educational ladder. In essence, this creates a perpetual cycle of poverty and disillusionment with the education system.Chapter FiveOne of the arguments made against Kozol in this chapter is that students always receive a sufficient education, regardless of minor differences within different schools. Proponents of these arguments believe that as long as the quality of education is sufficient for knowledge transfer, it is acceptable to have differences. However, while Kozol does not dispute that learning is sufficient to impart adequate knowledge, the stories of unsanitary environments, toilets without doors, schools riddled with sewage, and students systematically lacking textbooks are indeed too serious to be ignored. It is wrong to believe that money and financing are the answer to all these problems. Having similar funding to others is a step in the right direction and a good place to start. Chapter Six In this chapter, Kozol cites John Coons, a popular school reform author. activist, saying that there is "no greater threat to the capitalist system than the current cyclical replacement of the 'fittest' of a generation by their artificially advantaged offspring." Such sustained action is bound to lead to eventual collapse as unworthy, privileged individuals are elevated to positions for which they are not qualified, at the expense of minorities. Such a situation is even worse when the enabling institution is the government, an entity sworn to uphold fairness and the best interests of society. AnalysisWhile reading the book, I found it extremely captivating as it captured many of the issues that were discussed. always been raised about the education system and the disparities between the services offered in different schools. The debate has always been exacerbated and fueled by the fact that these disparities appear to be caused not by random factors or events, but by a sustained and conscious effort to segregate areas and differentiate students based on their backgrounds. Although the book focuses more on current problems rather than some of the solutions that can be proposed, it is a good eye-opener for those who are not aware of the criticisms leveled at the school system and an in-depth examination for those who are not. unaware of the criticism leveled at the school system. who already know these criticisms. It is disheartening that even after a century of so-called progress, little has been done to eradicate institutionalized racism and neglect of certain student demographics in the country. According to Kozol, even after a century of action within the legislative and judicial systems, the country reserves a system that tilts in favor of those who already have the platform to succeed, based on the color of their skin as well as their financial situation. Students from the poorest regions of the country, as well as those who are members of a minority group or ethnicity, receive education both quantitatively and.
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