Kenidee Zundel

Mrs.Richards

Language Arts 12

May 7th, 2017

Centralized Educational System

Texts vary widely from school to school, but certain books should be required

to be read by all students. A standardized approach to education would be the most

beneficial, in this changing world. The frequently read books across the nation in

both public and private schools are very educational, and teach a variety of life

lessons. We need to ensure that the young generations entering the world of

adulthood are well educated by providing them with insightful literature that would

be deemed appropriate for a centralized educational system.

According to Pirofski, reading books from other cultures can teach students

the meaning of respect for different races and enhance a childs feelings of self-

worth (Pirofski). Being aware of other cultures can help a student to be open-

minded and more aware of others when making decisions. As a student in high

school, I have come to realize that the media has a significant effect on the way we

view different cultures around us. Educational awareness in our schools and

community would create diversity, and an understanding of a variety of cultures.

On the other hand, some people may say that students should not be

required to read specific texts in their high school classes. Greer, bring up a point

that subject matter being read should be appropriate. In a normal high school class,

not every book may be appropriate for each individual student. There may be
parents concerned about certain texts being read in class (Greer). For example,

Romeo and Juliet may give students the idea that suicide is an acceptable option.

According to Fowler, studying the same subjects and texts is becoming more

meaningless, as different standards are being introduced to cultural life. As time

goes on, cultures are changing and so should the material that students are

reading.

In conclusion, there are both advantages and disadvantages when it comes

to being required to read specific texts. Having a centralized educational system

within our schools can create awareness and diversity. Students will learn to be

open to different perspectives of cultures around them. Whereas, reading specific

texts may not be appropriate for individual students in class.

 Works Cited

Greer, Michael. New NCTE Book Stirs Debate on Poetry Canon. The Council

Chronicle Feb. 1996.

Pirofski, Kira Isak. Multicultural, Literature and the Childrens Literacy

Canon. 23 Oct. 2006 http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/papers/literature.html.

Fowler, Robert M. The Fate of the Notion of the Canon in the Electronic Age.

Forum 9 (1993).