Schools and School Reform

Christina Theokas

Schools are cultural institutions and as such reflect society, change with it, and represent the ideology and philosophy of the times. School reform is the application of improving schools and ultimately society through the education of youth. This entry provides a broad overview of the major trends in school reform, as well as some of the key figures. Looking forward from this historical review, it will emphasize the role of developmental research in informing future movements. Schools are a primary context of development, and children and youth spend a large portion of each day, week, and year within them. As such, developmental scientists are interested in the potential of schools to contribute to the positive development and/or enhance the life chances of children and adolescents. The American public education system is based on a common school ideology, purporting universal access for all children and the effective preparation of students for ...

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