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Learning has been with us throughout all of history. From the beginning different cultures had different reasons and desired outcomes for teaching their children. For instance, in Egypt their educational purpose was to prepare leaders to administer the vast Egyptian empire. In early Athens, Greece, the purpose of schooling was to prepare a cultivated, physically fit, well-mannered individual who could participate as a strong citizen. Some of those same purposes are with us still today, but many additional purposes for school or societal responsibilities have been added to education over the years.
Often when test score comparisons are made with other nations, the United States is found to be lagging behind. If the only purpose that we focused time and money on was math and reading scores many argue that we would excel on those tests. Through this activity we want you to consider the many purposes that people want our education system to achieve.
Think about why we provide schools in America for all students. Start with yourself, "Why do I think we have schools?" Think from the individual, family, parents, cultural, governmental points of view. See how many different purposes for schools you can. If you need to, talk to family or friends. If you are really stuck you may check out the following link for some ideas.