High School, A Realization of its Benefits” Leon Botstein, who penned “High School, an Institution Whose Time Has Passed,” stating that high school is all “about cliques and the artificial intensity of a world defined by insiders” (page 472).
It is easy to see why Botstein argues that high school is all about the image and fame since people are self-conscious about their status and respect. This is relevant to every high school in the nation and it is like a disease that has been infecting many people throughout generations. For example, the importance of wearing trendy clothing would establish one as a trendsetter. The difference of having on signature garments, like Abercrombie and Fitch, and economical-type of clothing, is the cost and the brand. Abercrombie and Fitch is more of a known company and have higher prices than a company that sells cheap clothing.
However, Botstein does not realize that there are still student who would rather be who they are and focus more on their studies than a temporary fad. In this selection, Botstein also starts to highlight the social structure in the school system. He points out “insiders hold sway because of superficial definitions of attractiveness, popularity, and sports prowess” (page 473).
The meaning of this statement is well relevant not just in high school, but also generally in this modern society. A student must not be blamed for whoever he / she wants to be, for one is liberated enough to establish an identity.
Bullying in the Schools
Bullying and intimidation are a major social problem in many cultures. Since it is widely considered immature and mean to perpetrate violent or threatening acts, it is not surprising that incidents of bullying are usually found among young people where they gather to socialize. Schools are a hotbed of bullying activity, and many children are victimized. Bullying has two key components: repeated ...
For example, a student whose hobbies include football joins the football team. Many admire him for his remarkable talent. This student should not be condemned of this identity since it was done out of his own capabilities and not for fame. Another of Botstein’s interesting points is about the exposure of young students to certain elements outside of school. Information and images are now accessible to the public, with no regard to age, due to the technological advancements that man has made throughout the years.
The webspace, for example, is an archive of countless information that is waiting for its victims to discover, including young adults. Botstein exemplifies that young students mature quickly for the primary reason that high school is “An institution intended for children in transition now holds back young adults well beyond the developmental point… .” (page 473).
His primary suggestion is for high school to be modified as he states, “Second education must be rethought” (page 474).
Botstein typifies a kind of education with lesser years but of exemplary merit. However, as a student myself, I still ought to have much of the guidance and education I could garner, even though I am mature enough to distinguish between right and wrong. Young adults, like me, still tend to get lost in this very complex and precarious world. A person still has to learn the basics of education, which are taught in high school, before proceeding into college.
For instance, English requires that a college student should know basics of writing before heading to a more complex stage. Without high school’s supervision, a student may not live up to the arduous criteria of college writing. Despite Botstein’s strong arguments, people have their own walks of life. His ideas are true, yet not necessarily applicable to everyone. Botstein could corroborate this article if he reveals whether this is his past experience of secondary education or a study he did for his current profession. It will also be better if he supports his constant generalization in his writing with a broad study of different schools, and not just this particular institution.
The Essay on School Choice: Public Education Vs. Home School
School Choice: Public Education vs. Home School When Americans think of education, they almost automatically think of public education. Through the years, it is slowly changing. Many parents today are deciding to home-school their children. Although most people think that a public education is better, most statistics and facts tend to show that home schooling is beneficial in more ways. It is ...
Interviews and records proving his thesis would be helpful as well. As to the readers of this article, they should recognize that everyone has different experiences and point of view, and make a distinction if this is on a personal note or a study that has been accomplished. Work Cited Botstein, Leon. “High School, an Institution Whose Time Has Passed” Writing In The Disciplines ed.
Mary Lynch, Kennedy et al. Upper Saddle River: Pearson 2003.
