Ask the School Committee: What is the Purpose of Public Education

In the first of a three-part series, Dedham Patch asked the three candidates for School Committee: What is the purpose of public education?

Tom Ryan, incumbent:
Horace Mann, the father of public education in America, got his start in both the field of education and in politics serving on the Dedham School Committee in 1827. When asked what the purpose of public education was he replied “Education is the great equalizer of the conditions of men – the balance wheel of the social machinery.” I think what he meant by that is that educating every member of our society is not only the key to their own personal success; it is also the key to a successful society. The purpose of public education in Dedham today is the same as it was in 1827, and that purpose is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful, productive members of society.

I think what is important to recognize is that although the purpose of public education remains the same, what changes are the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. Today, we are not the agrarian or industrial societies of the 19th and 20th centuries; we are a society founded on technology. We need to teach our students what is commonly called 21st century skills. That does not mean we need to teach them different things, we will always need to teach students the core subjects in order to compete in a global economy. What needs to change are the tools with which we teach them.

This is why for next year’s ninth grade is so important. We need every child in Dedham to be able to learn to communicate effectively and efficiently through technology. That is why we are advancing a proposal before the Capital Expenditures Committee to purchase a netbook computer for each member of the ninth grade next year. With the netbooks purchased, the teachers of these students can truly begin to instruct and communicate with them using 21st century skills. Some say that this can be done at home, but not everyone has the financial means to afford and maintain a netbook. By making it a part of the high school experience we can better prepare all of our students to succeed. 

John Maida
In my own opinion, I believe that that purpose of public education is to educate our children to the best of our ability without hindrance while ensuring that they are taught up to and beyond the national standards not only in academics, but also in life experience.

Our children are fortunate to have the opportunities that they have in the Dedham school system and I believe that we can always expand on that. I will work to ensure that our academic programs, public lands, educational institutions and public buildings and facilities continue to serve and develop every student and their families. I believe strongly in productive bridge building between town government and community organizations, which fosters optimal rounding and maturity of our children.

Susan Butler Walko
Our democracy was based on the idea of a population sufficiently involved and literate enough to read and discuss issues in order for them to appropriately vote on them and participate in the democratic process.  America has surged forward because of our emphasis on a free and equal public education. Despite the presence of multiple options in our free society, we owe it to the next generation to keep public education a very strong option.

As this original concept developed over time, our society, and the public education which supports it, has evolved to include other definitions, specifically: preparing students to problem solve and be critical thinkers, inspiring students to become lifetime learners, developing an appreciation of all subjects, and becoming responsible, caring, engaged members of society.  Whether we graduate students from high school directly into the job market, the military or onto higher education, we must strive to ensure our public education system supports our youth as future participants and leaders in the ever-changing world.