Control. It's a better way to control those pesky kids in society. Especially the ones who can think for themselves. This was my youngest son's spontaneous answer to this question. He may be a bit too cynical, but there is also something to this answer. I once thought that way, but now I think that the real goal may be the money-making aspect.

Education has become much more of a business than at any other time in our history. One major goal is to make as much money as possible. Tuition continues to rise in the face of increasing endowments. Alumni are increasingly called during their weekends and dinner hours for contributions. Faculty are increasingly expected to find their own funding. Patrons are encouraged to provide support for endowed chairs, tuition and building programs. Intellectual property in the form of patents is developed as alternative sources of income. Almost all areas of education have to generate their own income in order for them to stay alive. With ever tightening budgets, administrators have to justify keeping such costly programs as music and art. Schools are short on classroom space and supplies, but they aren't short enough to not find funds for mailing and soliciting contributions from alumni and parents. Almost all aspects of education now involve some type of financial consideration.

This may also be a reflection of our current society that places so much emphasis on fast money, culture, fame and exposure both good and bad. So it is with education today, there are not many serious discussions about "real educational goals" because most school districts or institutions of higher learning are crying poverty. Perhaps it is more of a poverty of ideas than one of actual costs. Educational administrators don't do enough to promote the academic achievements of their faculty and students. Too often they are preoccupied by their unending determination to find the next funding source. However, we shouldn't under estimate the influence of the large cash cows of many institutions of higher learning. Sometimes it may be difficult to be a little bit of a prostitute, but that doesn't stop many from raising funds in any way that they can. Real educational ideals often get lost in this shuffle.

If the real goal of education was the ideal goal, then we should hope that education would raise awareness and civilize ourselves and our children. Teaching life skills such as communication, the arts, sciences and mathematics would be additional benefits, but the ideal goal would be to establish a core set of educational values within each child so that they could always teach and learn by themselves. Once this seed is planted, it can continue to grow with or without the bureaucracy of education.

Learn more about this author, Richard G. Lanzara.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about The real goal of education?
We want to hear your view. Write now!