Rethinking schools is a non-profit organization established in the year 1986 by teachers from Milwaukee in the United States. These teachers shared a common vision that led to the birth of this organization (Rethinking Schools, 2012). Initially, rethinking schools started as a campaign effort to find solutions to problems that were affecting schools at the time. Such problems included the use of standardized tests in schools, basal readers and the problem of subscribers that supplied schools with books. Apart from improving education in their schools, they also wanted to aid in the reformation of public schools all throughout the United States. This vision evolved and grew into the idea of rethinking schools hence the title of the organization (Rethinking Schools, 2012).
Over the years, the philosophy of this organization has remained rooted in the idea of creating a better society and democracy in which all people are equal regardless of race or social or economic background. Rethinking schools holds that education is vital in the establishment and maintenance of a just, caring and humane democracy that accommodates all races (Rethinking Schools, 2012). From this philosophy, I think that their approach to education is Reconstructionist. This is evident from their goals and vision. As an educational philosophy, Reconstructionism entails the formation of a better society and democracy through education. It also involves the addressing of social issues that hinder the establishment of such democracy and society.
This is true because since its establishment in 1985, Rethinking Schools has campaigned for the formation of ‘common school’. This means a school where all students are equal regardless of their backgrounds. By putting the acquired knowledge into practice, the students can help form a better democracy and society and thus improve their lives. Rethinking schools emphasizes the application of theoretical knowledge in an effort to improve the society (Rethinking Schools, 2012). Though the attainment of a just democracy is not complete, this organization has not given up. With dangers such as widespread violence in schools, privatization of public schools and squandering of public resources, Rethinking Schools has intensified its campaign efforts. To achieve this, they have started with teachers and students because they have a great potential to form a better society by starting at the school level.
Postmodernism and Reconstructionism are philosophical approaches to education that are important. Postmodernism emphasizes diversity, encourages embracement of change and innovation, challenges conventional ways of doing things and encourages open-mindedness as a way of getting full benefits from education (Beck, 2009). This is important because the world of today is highly competitive and hence the need for survival. Reconstructionism encourages the formation of a just democracy and a better society by through addressing social issues that affect students and through education. These two philosophical approaches can help this and other organizations make an impact on the education sector. This is possible because if applied together, the two philosophical approaches offer an all-inclusive approach to education. They can also be very useful in solving problems that face the education sector.
With its reconstructionist approach to education, Rethinking Schools has made an impact on the education sector. It has helped in solving problems that face students such as racism that hinders the establishment of a better democracy and society. This has made it strong and effective since its founding in 1986.
References
Beck, C. (2009).Postmodernism, Pedagogy and Philosophy of Education. Ontario Institute of Studies. Web.
Rethinking Schools. (2012). About rethinking schools. Web.