The Major Influences That Shape Urban Schools

It’s clear that urban schools are comprised of the beliefs and cultures of the diverse people that inhabit city centers. The mix of customs, ways of life and systems of values all contribute to the flavor and atmosphere of any city. The fact that this amalgam of beliefs transcends to public schools is only natural. These very diverse ways of life, however, often become problematic when trying to create a schooling environment that benefits each child equally. These very diverse beliefs have become a point of contention when dealing with school environments that are far from homogeneous.

Norm Fruchter elaborates in his book Urban Schools Public Will that there is a distinct struggle between the dominant American culture that governs the school systems and the many times contrary cultures of the ethnic groups that comprise these centers. Individual districts choose appropriate curriculum, systems of accountability, specific discipline systems and even which languages are pertinent to classroom instruction. While most districts try to find a balance between these factors and the belief systems of the people in the city, it’s a nearly impossible to appease everyone. The American system of education and ideals are ultimately emphasized above all (this is the United States, after all). But many times, the clashing of values in urban centers is too extreme to ever come to a perfect agreement.

Fruchter told a story about a superintendent in his school district that clearly demonstrates this struggle. The superintendent was frustrated by the fact that Black and Latino students scored significantly lower that Asian and White students. He expressed a frustration with the parents of these low scoring students, saying that if they were only more involved with their children’s education, the achievement gap would narrow.

The problem with the superintendent’s claims is that many more factors affect the achievement of the students. It is not expressly the involvement of parents (or lack thereof). Conversely, what many attribute to the success of suburban schools is the absence of such clashing ideals. As stated in the text, suburban areas tend to be more homogeneous. Therefore, there’s less of a discord among the governing school district and the views of the residents.

The heterogeneous mix of cultures and beliefs is what shape urban centers and their schools. But it’s also the very cause for debate when striving for equal education.