American Public Education - Obsessed with Being Average Essay -- Teach

American Public Education - Obsessed with Being Average A country's educational system is typically influenced by a variety of factors. Racial and ethnic attitudes, for example, can play an important role in policy formation and school administration. Language is a significant factor as well. Political and religious ideologies also are potent influences on the educational system. An average student’s registration into the educational system may be affected by such factors. What is the definition of an average student? What constitutes such a student to receive an â€Å"average† education? Mike Rose’s article â€Å"Tracking†, focused on the educational system and its effects on both normal and abnormal students. One student affected by this system was Ken Harvey. He was placed in the vocational track due to the labeling of the educational system. Ken Harvey’s statement, â€Å"I just wanna be average†, was a desperate call for help. No doubt, his placement in the educational system had a negative effect on his life. â€Å"Ken Harvey was gasping for air†. As brought out in the article, â€Å"schoo...