Public Schools and Student's Values & Assumptions: To Reinforce or Challenge?

Since I’m running with somewhat late notice as a write in candidate, I didn’t get the chance to partake in the public forum that the Johnston Education Association (JEA) hosted a couple weeks back. Since I feel it’s important that all voters see all opinions, I thought I would take the next few days to answer some of the questions that the JEA asked to the 3 ballot nominees.

9. Is it more important that public schools work to primarily reinforce the values and assumptions students learn outside the school environment or to challenge them? Why?


My Response:
This is an interesting question, because there can be several viewpoints on this. To start, I think we need to distinguish between values and assumptions, because they can be looked at differently, and talked about seperately.

Values - This can become a grey area, because on the one hand, the schools need to realize that they are really working in conjunction with parents, friends, etc. to help develop these students minds, character, and social skills. Therefore, the schools really need to be supporting the home life and helping reinforce the values that the kids are learning. On the other hand, it's the schools duty to make sure they are teaching and developing these students to be better people: more knowledgeable, good character, etc. So, if there are values that the students have learned outside the school environment that are unhealthy to themselves or their surroundings, then yes, I think the schools need to step up and challenge these values.

Assumptions - Assumptions can always be challenged. Why? Because assumptions are opinions, they are not fact. Challenging assumptions helps create and foster critical thinking skills. Challenging assumptions helps students look at all sides of an issue before creating an opinion. Challenging assumptions helps build character.


In all, although the schools need to work in conjuction with parents, friends, and outside influences, the schools also need to remember that there are definitely times where values and assumptions need to be challenged. If nothing else, it helps develop these young students.