What is the 21^st Century Mission for Our Public Schools?

Thomas Jefferson believed only educated citizens could make the American experiment in self-government succeed. He proposed a system of broad, free, public education. The Morrill Act of 1862 helped make higher education a possibility for all by establishing land grant institutions (as UNR is) to teach both classic and liberal arts as well as practical arts (agriculture, engineering, etc.). From these beginnings, there has been continued debate on what the purpose of public education is, who gets to decide what is taught, and what the public is expected to support through taxes and federal programs. Most recently, questions have been raised on books and topics that should be banned from discussion in schools, whether we need a federal Department of Education, or whether it is “worth it” for students to major in degrees that don’t translate directly to careers. With these factors, we should ask What should our public schools be focused on? What outcomes do we want from education for our society?

This is your chance to talk with others and share your thoughts on actions such as:

• Requiring more civics education to better prepare students to engage in democracy.
• Supporting arts and humanities education to allow students to discover their own talents.
• Promote vocational education (as opposed to 4-year college degrees).
• Eliminate courses that address diversity issues as they politicize educational spaces.

What are Community Howls? The Howls are for YOU to voice your own opinions, experiences, and interests related to the topic while also being open to listen to other perspectives from your peers—no advanced research or expertise required!  It’s a chance for interested faculty, students, and staff members to have a deliberative discussion (small group structured conversation with a facilitator) about issues that impact our community.  It is not a debate—we aren’t looking for winning sides or partisan talking points. We are looking to create experiences of dialogue and bringing perspectives together in one place.

We will consider questions such as:

• Should high schools do more to train students for careers?
• Should state education funding be prioritize to support programs that train educators, health professionals, and other needed occupations?
• Should we encourage student protest and advocacy as that helps them learn to engage in democratic processes?
• Does the federal government have a role in ensuring that all students are receiving the same education regardless of their ability or geography?

Students from COM 468: Facilitating Difficult Discussions will be facilitating small group discussions for this event—so bring your thoughts and willingness to gain new understanding of this complex issue!

When: Thursday, April 17 from 6:00-7:30 pm

Where: JSCU Ballroom A

Contact for More Information:  Amy Pason (apason@unr.edu), Department of Communication Studies

ASUN Center for Student Engagement is sponsoring this event to bring more options for community engagement to students.