This assignment will allow students to demonstrate their development and understanding of differing perspectives related to the purpose of public school and the role of teachers in a democratic society. There are 3 categories for grading (each on a 1-5 scale):
a) The paper should identify and analyze historic debates over the role of public schooling and teachers in a democratic society.
b) The paper should also demonstrate your developing knowledge of major course themes and concepts related to whether or not schooling is a source of freedom (liberty) OR a source of oppression (constraint). Is social mobility based on merit or do we have social reproduction based on family background?
c) The paper should provide support with evidence from course materials and independent research. See examples below as I will be expecting you to tie some of these course concepts to your position.
d) The paper should communicate effectively with appropriate writing skill, style, level of abstraction, and citation mechanics.
