The Story of School: 1980-2002

In the fourth episode of the story of school, we saw fundamental shifts in education. Teaching became more individual and a personal experience than a business. City schools created small learning environments withing the school building to foster a stronger educational experience. However, school funding was definitely at a low. Schools that were built around the same period of time in the 1940's or so were starting to deteriorate, leading to poor and somewhat dangerous learning environments. It was pretty shocking to see students walking through schools where there was water leaking in the hallways, or classes being held in closets and hallways. That is not how one receives a quality education, and by the end of episode 4, some ideas were discussed that improved these conditions. The concept of charter schools and specialty education were discussed, which helps give students a smaller working environment, as well as learning that interests them on a more personal level. The fourth episode of this series was very interesting, and was kind of a reality check as the the types of teaching and learning that is still happening around the country today.