While schools are influenced by their communities, all schools share the primary function of meeting students' three basic needs:

Chapter 2 will guide you through the three sociological perspectives, elements of the three basic needs of students, and the issues regarding school as an institution of society.

OBJECTIVES

After reading Chapter 2, you should be able to:

• Explain the difference between education and school.
• Identify and describe Piaget's four developmental stages.
• Compare, contrast, and discuss criticisms of private schools and homeschools.
  
• Identify and describe the three basic student needs that schools must fulfill.
  
• Compare, contrast, and discuss the three sociological perspectives on the role of schools.

Quiz Questions for Chapter 2

Quiz Help! Check here for related page references and feedback.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

1. Visit a teacher chat room and try to determine the sociological perspectives of the other visitors by asking them pertinent questions.

2. Explore a variety of public and private school websites. Look for the inclusion of a philosophy regarding meeting students' basic needs.

3. Visit a teacher chat room to interview teachers in private, public, and home schools. Ask them to share their opinions on the pros and cons of both teaching in and sending students to each type of school.

4. Search the Web for sites about morality education, character education, and values clarification. What are the common criticisms of these three subjects, and what special interest groups in particular are the most vocal?

5. Search the Web for the most current listing of books banned by special interest groups and determine what is controversial about them.

OTHER SITES TO EXPLORE (Also read p.48!)

http://www.ethicsusa.com
Bureau of Essential Ethics Education
Ethics Education For Schools, published by the Bureau of Essential Ethics Education provides lists of resources as well as strategies and solutions regarding how to implement the teaching of ethics in the classroom.
Textbook link: see pages 39-40.

http://www.home-ed-press.com/index.html
Homeschool Information and Resource Pages
Sponsored by Home Education Magazine, this site offers news, information, writings, support, and encouragement to those interested in homeschooling their children.
Textbook link: see page 46.

http://sea-css.ssd.k12.wa.us/newtools/Integrated/Intro.html
Integrating the Curriculum
New Tools: Teaching With Technology offers this website with a description of integrated curriculum, examples of how to use integrated curricula, and related web links.
Textbook links: see pages 40-41.

http://www.ed.gov/index.html
United States Department of Education Home Page
The U.S. Department of Education offers articles on Title IX and Title I.
Textbook links: see page 37.

OTHER RESOURCES

Cartwright, M., and M. K'Orso. 1992. For the children: Lessons from a visionary principal. New York: Doubleday.

Hill, D. 1994. The doctor is in. Teacher Magazine (February) : 18-25.

Kantrowitz, B., and D. Rosenburg. 1994. In a class of their own. Newsweek, 10 January, 58.

Olson, L. 1994. Preacher of power. Teacher Magazine (February): 34-36.