Craig A. Cunningham, Ph.D.

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FINAL PAPER QUESTIONS

For the final paper (take-home exam), please answer ONE of the following questions in a coherent, 4-6 page paper, being sure to include concepts and facts from the class discussions and readings. Citations (other than page numbers for direct quotes) are not required.

A. Choose one of the major challenges that have faced the public schools in the United States since the colonial period and summarize how the schools have responded to the challenge. Was this response adequate? Why or why not? What would you have done differently if you had been "czar" of the nation's schools? How do you believe schools will respond to this challenge in the future, and how would you prefer them to respond?

B. Given the many challenges facing public schools in the United States today, especially in diverse, economically challenged urban and rural communities, describe the IDEAL public school system that would best meet those challenges. Be sure to discuss topics we've covered in the class, such as diversity, differentiation, local control, funding, standards, authority, moral education, testing, vocational education, and the various types of literacy.

On the last day of class, you will be asked to share your paper's main idea (whether you answer A or B) with the class. Please be prepared to talk for 3-5 minutes about your paper.