The Washington Post – Valerie Strauss
“Americans, asked to pinpoint the purpose of school, were divided. Is school supposed to prepare students academically? Or for the workforce? Or to be knowledgeable citizens able to participate in American civic life? This division has long been an issue in the world of education. Less than half — 45 percent — of adult Americans say preparing students academically is the main goal of a public school education, and just one-third feel that way strongly, the poll found. Other Americans split between saying the main purpose of public schools is to prepare students for work — 25 percent — and for citizenship, 26 percent.”(more)