Making Schools American: Nationalism and the Origin of Modern Educational Politics

School reformers in the Progressive Era viewed the public school as a patriotic symbol and a key to perfecting the American experiment. Cody Dodge Ewert's book "Making Schools American" explores the development and politicization of public schooling in America, arguing that nationalism was the leading argument for schooling and that reformers' utopian visions and promises laid the groundwork for contemporary battles over the mission and methods of American public schools.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2022
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

The Progressive Era saw a wave of school reformers who envisioned the public school as a central institution in American society. These reformers believed that education could play a crucial role in uniting a diverse and divided nation, addressing social and political ills, and creating high-quality citizens capable of thriving in the 20th century. They saw the public school as a patriotic symbol and a means of perfecting the American experiment.

In his book, "Making Schools American," Cody Dodge Ewert explores the role of nationalism in shaping school reform during this period. He examines case studies of reform efforts in New York, Utah, and Texas, highlighting what was gained and lost as these efforts evolved across different spaces and times. Ewert provides a fresh perspective on the development and politicization of public schooling in America, revealing how reformers' utopian visions and lofty promises laid the groundwork for contemporary battles over the structure and curriculum of public schools.

Despite their diverse political backgrounds and the unique conditions of their respective states, cities, and districts, school reformers employed nationalistic rhetoric to promote education as a unifying force for Americans. They argued that investing in education would equalize social and economic relations, strengthen democracy, and create high-caliber citizens who could contribute to the betterment of the nation. However, the book argues that upholding these ideals has come at a cost, with the public school increasingly becoming a battlefield for competing ideologies and political agendas.

One of the key themes of "Making Schools American" is the tension between reformers' idealistic vision of education and the practical realities of implementing change. Reformers often sought to introduce new curricula, teaching methods, and administrative structures to improve educational outcomes. However, these efforts were often met with resistance from teachers, parents, and community members who believed that their traditions and values should be preserved. This conflict led to the politicization of education, with reformers becoming increasingly involved in political battles over school funding, curriculum, and standardized testing.

Another important aspect of the book is the role of race and class in shaping school reform. Ewert argues that reformers often sought to address the educational disparities between white and Black students, but their efforts were often limited by systemic racism and economic inequality. Black students faced barriers to education, including segregated schools, underfunded schools, and limited access to resources. Reformers' efforts to address these disparities often faced resistance from white communities who believed that their children should be treated equally.

The book also explores the impact of technology on school reform. Ewert argues that the introduction of new technologies, such as computers and the internet, had the potential to transform education and improve educational outcomes. However, these technologies were also used to justify budget cuts and privatization efforts, which threatened the public nature of education and the democratic control of schools.

In conclusion, "Making Schools American" provides a valuable insight into the history and politics of public schooling in America. By examining the role of nationalism, race, class, and technology in shaping school reform, Ewert challenges readers to think critically about the current state of American education and the challenges that lie ahead. The book offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of idealistic visions and the importance of maintaining a public and democratic education system.

Weight: 472g
Dimension: 161 x 235 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421442792