1. The Purposes of Schools

Which one of the two purposes of schools is represented by the Separation of School and State Alliance? Use examples from this organization's Web site to support your answer. Does this organization embody aspects of both Purpose 1 and Purpose 2, or does it fall entirely in one "camp"? Explain.

What is your opinion about this organization's stated purpose?

2. Paulo Freire and Reconstructionism

This chapter briefly talks about Paulo Freire and his Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Use the following Web sites as source material for answering the question below.

People You Should Know: Paulo Freire

Issues in Freirean Pedagogy

Click here to view a comparison of two models of teaching, "critical education" and "banking education." How does Freire's approach fit into these models?

3. Educational Vouchers and School Choice

Using the following Web sites as source material, take a stand on educational vouchers and school choice. Develop a position statement expressing your opinions. Be sure to anticipate the objections of those who do not share your views.

National Center for Policy Analysis: Choice in Education

The NEA on Educational Vouchers

A Citizen's Guide to Education Reform: School Choices

The ACLU President's Opinion on Educational Vouchers

The Center for Education Reform: School Choice

4. Educational Maintenance Organizations (EMOs)

The business sector's growing role in education is seen by some as the "best hope" for tomorrow's schools, and by others as a growing danger to students, teacher security, and public schools. To begin your online investigation of this issue, visit the following EMO Web sites:

The Edison Schools

Nobel Learning Communities, Inc.

For an opposing view, check out these sites:

Corporate Involvement in Schools: Time for a More Critical Look

AFT on the Issues: Privatization

EMOs: Pedagogy for Profit

Based on what you have seen on these sites and read in your textbook, what are the primary points of contention regarding EMOs? Prepare a table of "Pros and Cons" to frame your analysis.

Where do you stand on this issue? What would your reasons be for choosing to teach, or not to teach, in an EMO-run school?

5. Home Schools, Home Teachers

Advances in technology have provided a catalyst for the home-schooling movement. To see this for yourself, check out the following Web sites:

Homeschool Central

Digital Learning Network

Internet Home School

Home Sweet Home-School

Homeschool Zone

Using examples from these sites to support your answer, what are the benefits and potential pitfalls of using these technologies for home-schooling? Do these technologies answer any of the objections posed by critics of home-schooling?

Do the advantages provided by this technology affect your personal view of home-schooling? That is, would your opinion of home-schooling be different if these advanced technologies were not widely available? Explain your answer.