Reflection #17

Many of the aspects implemented in early colonial education in New England differ from the things we see in our education system today. First off the role of religion has had a complete different impact in our education. The puritans also sometimes called pilgrims escaped New England for religious freedom. They were a strong group of religious followers that believed god  planned the true way to live. They lived by the bible as their code of life and implemented it in the lives of their children. Bible readings were a strong part of the education system and children were forced to read it daily. God was the only way to righteousness. It was found necessary for the young to become “pure” and educated in these religious subjects so that they could purify the future and correct all social living. Drama, Religious music, and poetry were banned from the curriculum. They believed these led to immorality and distraction from the subject of god. All of the poetry and literatures read and created by students had to reflect god. All of this is very different today. Just stating the fact that it is illegal to discuss religion in public schools today. Nonetheless can teachers state their opinion or religious beliefs to students or try to change their views in any way. Another major difference in todays education system is teacher preparation. In colonial times, most teachers received no formal education. Many teachers had not finished a secondary school and some were just servants paying their way to America with some on the side teaching jobs. Some teachers received some college level education but most teachers did not pass the elementary level. It was a benefit to have some knowledge of the subject being taught but not necessary. Teaching was not viewed as a career, just simply as a job to get by. Many teachers were teenagers that taught for a while or if not they were people with bad records of drinking and stealing. In todays education system we all know none of these are qualifications. Teaching is a career that is taken very seriously. Teachers must have at least a bachelors in education and they must have full blown out knowledge in the subject that is being taught. The attendance in the classes of Colonial schools was much higher that schools today. Classes had about sixty students. Today, a class of sixty students would be absolute chaos. Boys also had priorities when it came to education. They were favored and were considered more important in the education system. Classes were divided based of gender. The education system has definitely transformed a lot from the colonial times to today.