Introduction
Dear students, colleagues, and readers,
As we delve into the pages of this comprehensive history of education textbook, we are honored to introduce a work that not only chronicles the evolution of educational systems but also sheds light on the contemporary challenges that our students confront. Our journey through the annals of education is not just a recounting of facts, but an exploration of the transformative power of knowledge and the intricacies of a system that shapes societies and individuals alike.
Education has always been a dynamic force, adapting to the changing needs of societies and the aspirations of individuals. In the pursuit of knowledge, students have always been at the center, eager to unravel the mysteries of the world and better themselves in the process. However, the modern landscape of education presents us with both opportunities and obstacles that warrant thoughtful consideration.
One pressing concern faced by our students today is the soaring cost of textbooks. As educators, we recognize that the availability of resources is vital to the learning process. The burden imposed by exorbitant textbook prices can hinder students’ ability to access essential learning materials, potentially limiting their academic success. This textbook, in its digital form, aims to contribute to the solution by embracing electronic formats that are more accessible and affordable. Through this choice, we hope to ease the financial strain on our students and foster a more inclusive learning environment. We must be mindful that the digital divide still persists, and not all students have equal access to technology. As we celebrate the advantages of e-books, let us also advocate for equitable distribution of resources, ensuring that all students can harness the potential of digital learning.
Our exploration of the history of education would be incomplete without addressing the disparities that plague the American educational landscape. The United States, a land of diversity and opportunity, has unfortunately witnessed the perpetuation of inequities within its education system. The disparities in funding, resources, and educational quality have deep-rooted implications, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage that hinder social mobility. It is incumbent upon us, as educators and scholars, to raise awareness of these issues and advocate for meaningful reforms that strive for a more just and equitable education system for all.
Furthermore, the restriction of curriculum in certain states within the U.S. is a topic that cannot be ignored. Education, often considered a pillar of societal progress, should encourage critical thinking, diverse perspectives, and open discourse. Yet, the imposition of rigid curricular limitations stifles creativity and narrows the educational experience. This textbook serves as a testament to the importance of exploring a broad range of topics, fostering intellectual curiosity, and nurturing a generation of learners who are unafraid to question and explore.
This textbook is not a mere compilation of historical facts, but an invitation to critically examine the multifaceted dimensions of education. As we turn its pages, let us reflect on the challenges our students face, from financial burdens to the digital divide and educational inequalities. Let us acknowledge the immense potential of electronic resources while advocating for their widespread accessibility. And let us remain steadfast in our commitment to a more inclusive, equitable, and intellectually enriching education system.
This has not been a small undertaking- and while we did not write this text from scratch, we spent hundreds of hours across a two-year period to create an open and applicable textbook which we hope better meets the needs of our students. Creating an Open Educational Resource (OER) text is a fluid process, involving many months of writing and re-writing, and critical collaboration amongst colleagues.
We are especially grateful to the following OER Foundations of Education textbooks for their original work in the following texts:
- Jacqueline M. DiSanto, Hostos Community College. (n.d.). Foundations of education. Pressbooks. https://library.achievingthedream.org/hostoseducation/
- Wells, M. (n.d.). Foundations of American Education: A Critical Lens. Pressbooks. https://viva.pressbooks.pub/foundationsofamericaneducation/
We recognize the enormous amount of work that went into these OER texts. Thanks to their having created the original OER texts, we had the great privilege to build on their work and offer newer texts for our students. Other future authors may additionally recreate a text for their students as this is the iterative process of creating OER texts and for this open creative academic process, we are immensely grateful.
We also wish to acknowledge Amy Hofer, Jen Klaudinyi, and all the library staff across the state who support and promote OER through workshops and grants. This is a critical equity initiative which increases access for all, and notably historically-underserved communities across the state. It also allows everyday teachers and faculty to engage in textbook creation, and this is no small feat.
We could not have published this OER if it was not for our amazing readers: Andreina Velasco, Dot McElhone, Nadia Raza, Hugo Nava- Sanchez, Gabe Hunter-Bernstein, Lorraine Adams and Pam Morse. We are grateful for their thoughtful comments during the writing and rewriting process. Last, but not least, a huge thanks to Jennifer Margolis for reviewing the entire text at the end. Your thoughtful feedback helped us to make this a better textbook!
Sincerely,
Tanya, Kanoe, Lisa and Ceci
