Making Connections

1. How would Todd Gitlin respond to the report on the schools in Shanghai? Would he be likely to recommend de-emphasizing math and science?

   Chapter 5 - Making Connections: How would Todd Gitlin respond to the report on the schools in Shanghai? Would he be likely to recommend de-emphasizing math and science?
2. Which author in this Conversation do you think Diane Ravitch would have the most in common with? Why?

   Chapter 5 - Making Connections: Which author in this Conversation do you think Diane Ravitch would have the most in common with? Why?
3. Based on his beliefs about the interconnection of democracy and education, do you think that Horace Mann would approve or disapprove of standardized testing as we know it today? Explain your response. To what extent does standardized testing contribute to “the balance-wheel of the social machinery” (para. 5), as Mann describes education?

   Chapter 5 - Making Connections: Based on his beliefs about the interconnection of democracy and education, do you think that Horace Mann would approve or disapprove of standardized testing as we know it today? Explain your response. To what extent does standardized testing contribute to “the balance-wheel of the social machinery” (para. 5), as Mann describes education?
4. In what ways does the low-ranking achievement in math of American students challenge Leon Botstein’s position? In what ways does it support his position?

   Chapter 5 - Making Connections: In what ways does the low-ranking achievement in math of American students challenge Leon Botstein’s position? In what ways does it support his position?