FREE ESSAY ON CRITIQUE OF SCHOOL BELLS BY LEWIS LAPHAM

CRITIQUE OF SCHOOL BELLS BY LEWIS LAPHAM

School Bells Essay
I found Lewis Lapham's article "School Bells" in the August, 2000 edition of 
Harper's magazine to be not only convincing, but also easy to relate to and truthful. The

contents of the article have far-reaching and thought-provoking implications.
Much of his argument rests on the nearly indisputable belief that if we, as a 
nation, devoutly wished to reform or even revolutionize the educational system in place,

we undoubtedly could. Factual proof of this is found throughout the history of the United

States. We have made significant scientific and societal advances in the last one hundred
years as evidenced by the computer, the automobile, the civil rights movement, the list
goes on. With such incredible financial and intellectual resources as can be found in
this country, why not add another major contribution to our success? - Education.
Though he never directly refers to it, the process in which public schools are funded is
alluded to several times by Lapham (e.g. "We have one set of schools for the children of
the elite, another for children less fortunately born). The flaw in funding for public
schools lies in direct community influence. Nearly 1/2 of the funding provided is derived
from the property taxes collected from the locality. Since wealthy neighborhoods pay far
more property tax than poor ones, schools that lie in wealthy districts and neighborhood
are allocated far more capital than schools located in poor areas. This creates a myriad
of dilemmas for the poor (most of which they aren't even aware of because they have never
been taught), and innumerable advantages for the rich. Under the current system the
children of wealthy families are catered to and groomed to become the new "elite" while
obstacles are constantly being placed in the paths of destitute children. This is a major
contributing factor to the cycle of class distinction.
Lapham claims at one point that "schools regulate the supply of unskilled labor," and
think of "the graduating classes as an assembly line product." In essence, I believe the
point he is trying to convey is that schools produce certain types of people according to
society's needs (or shall I say the needs of politicians and those who own large
corporations). A definite correlation between impoverished school districts and
disciplinary action can be seen throughout the U.S. This increase in security and
authoritarianism teaches poor children their future place in society by inducing "fear of
authority and habits of obedience." He also mentions that corporations often target the
least prosperous districts to market their products under the guise of "educational
tools." These schools often discourage creative thought and teach students that reading
is dull and tedious as well. Conversely, the financially secure children can avoid public
schools altogether by attending private school, or go to a public school with monetary
advantages due to its location. Both of these options give well-to-do children access to
a far better learning experience.
One conclusion that can be drawn from all of this is that children of impecunious
families are undoubtedly at an educational disadvantage to begin with. Because of the
pervasive toward those with low incomes, low-income schools expect less from their
students. People tend to live up to the standards set for them, and since they are
expected to anyway, there is little chance for creative, independent thought. Advanced
courses that encourage this are often times not offered at these schools - this maintains
low standards. The odds are unquestionably stacked against the poor.
On the other hand, the upper class, especially politicians and the owners of
multi-billion dollar corporations, has a great interest in maintaining the status quo.
Many politicians rely on huge corporations for much of their campaign funds, in turn,
these corporations receive preferential treatment - if the corporations have no money bad
politicians cannot make it back into office (imagine what well-informed consumers would
mean), nor can they if the public is able to make competent political decisions. In
general, this system ensures financial security for the offspring of the wealthy.
Lapham does present ideas on how the existing system might be improved. His ideal
educational system is based on free and creative thought. He proposes that we achieve
this through a variety of methods. First and foremost, he emphasizes the importance of
reading as an enlightening, fun, educational activity rather than a chore. He cites
Britain, France, Germany and Spain as countries whose students make much more progress
then their American peers after 7th grade (let's not forget that communist Cuba who most
Americans despise has the highest literacy rate in the world). He believes reading
nurtures the thought process and I agree. He also advocates a decrease in discipline and
security - this is in accordance with the belief that schools are educational institutes,
not "minimum-security prisons." The final change he mentions is the need for equal and
raised academic standards. A system based on these premises would result in a more
competent, intelligent, equal, better informed society.
Changes such as those above are suggestive of not merely a reform, but an all-out
educational revolution. This would mean drastic changes in major aspects of education. 
This is pertinent to Quest classes in a couple of ways. First, Quest classes should be
made more widely available. This would increase educational standards in general as well
as being a great step toward eliminating the involuntary lack of learning that produces
hard-working, poverty-stricken people.
The second way in which this is pertinent to Quest classes is the way in which they are
taught. These classes should promote creative thought through various processes. Highly
structured activities should definitely be avoided; in place of these, discussions
allowing the free flow of ideas should be placed. Reading for the class should be
interesting, and above all, combating ignorance. He stresses the importance of reading as
an instrument that can sharpen and liberate one's mind - this too should be an integral
component of Quest classes. According to Lapham, there should be an emphasis on the truth
behind the lies, politics, and societal problems and the solutions for these problems -
if this was how all classrooms were run, there would not be an "educational crisis,"
because the system would have changed long ago. Because of the freedom of thought and
expression in Quest classes, they need to be very flexible and are therefore more
demanding on teachers (as if we didn't see through your little ploy to get more feedback
from us).
Lapham's article was a concise, clear articulation on what school's really - not learning
institutes, but because of the benefits for the wealthy derived from the present system,
it may never happen.