Staci+Mann+D

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Script

“Ignorance is a Crime.” Horace Mann, the father of education, reformed the system of public education in Massachusetts until it became a requirement for the rest of the country. He has published educational standards in every country for the benefits of teachers, school officers, and the public. He has put tremendous amount of time to spread the ideas of education. What is the main problem that you as a philosopher is trying to solve? I as a philosopher wanted to improve not only the poor education problem, but also wanted to break the wall between different classes. Since, I, as a philosopher clearly thought schools were and are a “great balance of wheel in society,” which prevented the class conflict due to the equal opportunities and social advancements as well as setting all children with a common set of beliefs and knowledge. What are your views towards the angry citizens? As soon as the bill for school taxes were set, angry citizens protested that school taxes violated the rights of private property. However, I believe that private properties are a trust for the general welfare. Also, some of the religious leaders believe that I am trying to create godless school systems. I do agree with the religious leaders that religion is a big part of our lives. However, I strongly believe that Bibles should be read in school, not discussed. What are your personal views toward education? "The property of this commonwealth is pledged for the education of all its youth up to such point as will save them from poverty and vice, and prepare them for the adequate performance of their social and civil duties." I believe, as a philosopher, I have done fairly enough to light the fire of educational improvements. I gave out successful law practices, helped secure the passage of an education bill and built 50 new high schools. Also, I have extended the minimum school year attendance requirement from couple weeks to 6 months. Now, I have become the first president for the first school open to students regardless of their race, sex, or religion; Antioch College in Yellow Springs.

//What made you motivated that have influenced your ideas against education?// I don’t know where or when my motivation started. My father was a farmer and my mother was a housewife; and I am their Son. My family didn’t have a strong background nor was wealthy. Until I was 16, I attend school for about 10 weeks, at the most. Then, I was introduced to Brown University with a little help of tutoring. After I graduated I had taught Greek and Latin. But, my focus started to change then. I went back to a law school in Connecticut and studied about politics. Few years later I was elected as a senate president for Massachusetts House of Representatives. This brought me closer to my dream; fair treatment for everyone.

“ABC-CLIO: World History: Modern: Entry Display.” 4 Dec 2008 .

“ABC-CLIO: World History: Modern: Entry Display.” 4 Dec 2008 .

Primary Sources: " With the public schools and other institutions for education in Massachusetts Mr. Mann is certainly well acquainted; but there are in this State no schools for the deaf and dumb; and though in two of the adjoining States there are institutions of this class, among the largest in the world in point of numbers, and for years reputed among the most successful, all that he seems to know definitely concerning their system or their success is, that they do not teach articulation. “In Prussia, Saxony, and Holland,” he finds that “the deaf and dumb, incredible as it may seem, are taught to speak with the lips and tongue”; and upon this, he judges “the schools for this class in those countries to be decidedly superior to any in this country.” We have usually thought, that the superiority of an institution for education should be measured, not by what it //attempts//, but by what it //performs//. That the German schools attempt more than our own we admit; but that, in the great majority of cases, they accomplish more, we have no evidence. Mr. Mann, at least, has furnished us no data whatever, by which we can compare the intellectual attainments and skill in language of the pupils in those schools with those of the pupils in our own. And if, as we have good reason to believe, the German teachers of articulation sacrifice, in a great measure, the development of the intellectual and moral faculties of their pupils to an object that is, in most cases, but very imperfectly attained, we may well doubt whether they gain as much as they lose, and whether their success in the true object of education -- the unfolding of the capacities for happiness and usefulness -- is as great as that of our own teachers." “DHM: Library - Review Of Horace Mann's Seventh Annual Report (Document).” 8 Dec 2008 . //"he deaf and dumb, incredible as it may seem, are taught to speak with the lips and tongue." What do you think this meant? Why is this such an important quote?//

//In the sources above, there aren't any clear explanation that triggered Mann to have interest in the society of education. Did he need to have a motivation? explain.//

Seconday Sources: Horace Mann, reformed the system of public education in Massachusetts until it became a requirement for the rest of the country Born: 1796 May 4: son of a poor farmer in Massachusetts, Didn’t attend school for more than 8 or 10 weeks until 16 years old At first a private tutor educated him than admitted to Brown University Graduated in 1819: he taught Greek and Latin for two years in Brown He went back in to Litchfield Law School in Connecticut for a year. Entered Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1827 to 1833 when he moved to Senate Senate president in 1835 Supported to establish hospitals for the insane, restriction for slavery, educational improvements Mann helped to secure the passage of an education bill providing for a state board of education He also gave a successful law practice Promised political career to become the first secretary of the new state board of education Before: 1827 high school program were made Mann organized annual educational conventions in every country for the benefits of teachers, school officers, and the public
 * Local school were only open for couple months
 * Teachers were poorly prepared and underpaid

//-If industrialization didn't happen, would education advanced?//

“ABC-CLIO: World History: Modern: Entry Display.” 4 Dec 2008 .

“ABC-CLIO: World History: Modern: Entry Display.” 4 Dec 2008 .