Written by Dr. Corey Nagle
October 2021
Foundations of American Education: Purpose and Promise by Dr. Peter Hlebowitsh was released over twenty years ago. Dr. Hlebowitsh, the keynote speaker at the 2011 AATC Annual Conference, offers a broad view of education, looking at educational history, philosophy, and governance. Dr. Hlebowitsh draws on the influences of history to communicate the how and why of teaching and learning in schools today.
Current issues in present-day education often stem from the practices and influences of preceding generations, included in Dr. Hlebowitsh’s work as foundations of American education. These foundations are presented through three lenses: what to teach, how to teach, and why it should be taught. The perspectives in the book begin with the classroom but broaden to focus on the systems and philosophy of education. At each stage, Dr. Hlebowitsh encourages readers to critically consider all sides of controversial issues and view each with insight from education’s philosophical, practical, and political foundations.
As we consider the work of Dr. Hlebowitsh and views of the purpose and promise of education in the United States, we can reflect on how these views impact our work as educators. The following questions may help us to further our work. In the spirit of encouraging dialogue, a foundational component of AATC’s identity, we encourage you to share your thoughts and engage in discourse in the comments section:
- What are your views on the purpose of education? How have your practices been influenced or impacted by views of the purpose of education?
- How have the foundations of education resulted in the successes and challenges we are currently facing? How could the history of education influence reforms to teaching and learning?
- After reflecting on the foundations of education, how could you change your practices that contribute to either maintaining or changing systems that influence teaching and learning?