People have begun to doubt the modern system and its ability to provide what is needed for the country. Through the explanation of the connection education has to democracy as well as a look at our modern system, I will demonstrate why it is important to maintain compulsory education, even if it could use some fixing.
The first issue to address is whether compulsory education affects whether or not a democracy will thrive. Although it was already mentioned beforehand, the exact route by which an educated citizen brings about change was never explicitly stated. Therefore, consider the example of the theoretical student who follows compulsory education. This student attends all 11 years of primary school, including 8 years of grade school, 2 years of pre-school, and 1 year of Kindergarten. During this time, the student will learn the basics of the subjects of Math, English, Science, and Social Studies. This basic education is to give the student just that – basic knowledge. This is enough to prepare the student for his or her higher level high-school education (Jones).
Once the student has achieved a basic understanding of the world around him, he or she will go on to high school – this is the beginning of the real effectiveness of education (Koliba). While in high school, the student engages in more intense studies of subjects. The student studies Languages, Sciences, and Mathematics. These subjects help enrich his or her mind. Yet, the subject areas that really shape the student's mind for cultural participation are the studies of History and English. It is in History class that the student learns about the successes and failures of the famous and infamous men and women that lived before them. The student reads about the atrocities that occurred in the past as well as the great victories of mankind. It is in History class that a student becomes opinionated – in the best sense of the word – and begins to be able to be a part of civil and political society (McNeill).