Negative Perceptions of American Public Education: How the Absences of Core American Values in K-12 Public Schools Can Cause Perceptions of Failure
Open Access
Author:
Archer, Jill Alexis
Graduate Program:
American Studies
Degree:
Doctor of Philosophy
Document Type:
Dissertation
Date of Defense:
June 27, 2021
Committee Members:
Anne Ayer Verplanck, Program Head/Chair Charles Kupfer, Chair & Dissertation Advisor Thomas Amlie, Outside Unit & Field Member Anthony Buccitelli, Major Field Member John Haddad, Major Field Member
Keywords:
core American values education school reform negative perceptions of public school individualism equality competition change digital age technology
Abstract:
This dissertation examines negative perceptions that cause negative outcomes of American K-12 public schools through a literary and cultural analysis that identifies conflicting behaviors and traditions between American cultural history and the American institution for K-12 public education. Examination of these conflicting behaviors and traditions finds the American public education system has not embraced core American values in its purpose, structure, or curricula, resulting in negative public perceptions and educational outcomes. Core American values of individualism, equality, competition, and change are identified using the works of Robin M. Williams and L. Robert Kohls. Data from the World Values Survey, the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development, Pew Research Center and Gallup polls are used to show attitudes towards American K-12 public education, and first-hand experience as a public-school educator is also used in the evaluation of these findings. Despite a multitude of attempted school reforms, public perceptions of schools continue to decline. It is essential that public K-12 schools place the core American values of individualism, equality, competition and change at the center of future reform efforts. These contemporary reform efforts are only possible because of digital age technologies that can emphasize core values.
