As you respond to the following prompts, support your argument with references to at least three of the sources in this conversation on the American high school. For help using sources, see Chapter 4.
Democratic society is peculiarly dependent for its maintenance upon the use in forming a course of study of criteria which are broadly human. Democracy cannot flourish where the chief influences in selecting subject matter of instruction are utilitarian ends narrowly conceived for the masses, and, for the higher education of the few, the traditions of a specialized cultivated class. The notion that the “essentials” of elementary education are the three R’s mechanically treated, is based upon ignorance of the essentials needed for realization of democratic ideals. . . . A curriculum which acknowledges the social responsibilities of education must present situations where problems are relevant to the problems of living together, and where observation and information are calculated to develop social insight and interest.
—Democracy and Education, 1916
Write an essay explaining the extent to which you believe that high schools today are preparing citizens to achieve Dewey’s vision. Draw on your experience and observation, and cite at least three of the readings from the conversation to develop your argument.