When reading this article I noted right away within the first paragraph, second sentence "That which interests us most is naturally the progress made by the individual child of our acquaintance, his normal physical development, his advance in ability to read, write and figure, his growth in the knowledge of geography and history, improvement in manners, habits of promptness order and industry--it is from such standards as these that we judge the work of the school." We also judge the work of our schools by the knowlege of the individual child. (i.e. EOG's) As Dewey stated " the outlook needs to be enlarged" His meaning as I understood it was to expand the social realm in education. In his day industry was becoming a stronger force and would change the ways in which schools operated. Among other facets of our current society, I think technology has made a huge impact within the educational systems.

I agree that a school's success or failure as determined by the state is a 3 or a 4 on the EOG for each child. However, what the state fails to look at is the child who came to third grade on a kindergarten level but by the end of the year can read moderate amounts and has made progress. The child may not make a 3 or a 4 but has succeeded. In the article it also says, "What the best and wisest parent wants for his own child, that must the community want for all of its children." I know that in my class I want the best for each child. I think it's difficult for each child to achieve the best when other factors influence his/her life (ie. food, clothing, shelter). I try to make sure that each child has the best while he/she is with me. I just hope that somehow it will make a difference. Michelle