The American education system is one that has been debated and ridiculed since the turn of the 20th century. All of the social changes that occurred in the United States over the years has change the face of our educational system and has affected the way and the environment in which our children learn. The sociological purpose for schools is to prepare children to be able to function in society. It also teaches how to work with those who do not have a personal relationship with each other. School is considered a sort of bridge between society and family. Its purpose is to get us ready for adulthood. There has been a drastic change in the social values in America since the educational system has begun. One of the social changes that have had the most effect would be the removal of prayer from schools on June 25, 1962. Religion and prayer were removed based on the separation of church and state ideology on which this country was founded. It is never been an amendment of complete separation of church and state but when the government removed prayer from school it open the door for the decline of morals and values to enter into the school system as well. If children did not go to church or if they did not know any aspect of religion or faith at least they could receive it in educational manner at school. The problem that arises is relying on teachers not to enforce their personal opinions or let them influence their curriculum or method of teaching.

Now there are several social issues that schools face in today’s society. There has been a major increase in school violence, dropout rate, teen parenting, child abuse, homelessness, and extreme poverty. These issues affect the learning process and place major stress on the learning environment for any child dealing with these issues in their everyday life. Some of these issues such as extreme poverty in certain areas could easily be addressed by better school funding in those areas. Cities with a high rate of poverty experience inadequate funding for school districts in the most affected area. This seems just backwards. One would think you would provide more funding for those in high-risk areas instead of the more affluent districts. These impoverished areas are in more need of this funding so that they can afford better programs and be able to hire capable teachers and also to build better facilities. Then that would also mean that I would be assuming that the intent of the government is one of an altruistic nature. One that wanted to all succeed. That would be a very foolish assumption. The American government spends billions on foreign aid and its educational system needs aid in its poverty-stricken areas and inner-city schools. This writer wonders why we as a nation go into debt to help others but can’t help ourselves.