Impact of The American Education System’s Regulation on Reading Requirements

Synthesis

I am a product of the American education system. In all sixteen years of life, I have spent twelve of them being enrolled in school. With this experience, I have had books being force-fed down my throat in attempts to enlighten me on literature. However, I am not alone. Students across the nation are required to read certain texts according to the national school curriculum. Although it may not be the most intriguing subjects to read about, it provides a common ground for all students regardless of location. Standardizing reading requirements would allow for a mutuality in classrooms and public space, sparking conversation on renowned topics.

Having a list of required texts would allow for people to have a general idea about certain topics. Literary works that become canon would gain “status and accessibility to a reading public” (Source A). More people would be educated on those certain books and therefore it would encourage discussion. Also, there would be no discrepancies between public and private schooling since the curriculums would be identical (Source B). Students would become more educated on topics that everyone agrees are important. For instance, if multicultural literature was chosen to be apart of the school curriculum, students would be able to become more culturally aware and even affirm “feeling[s] of self worth.” (Source E). If standardized reading took place, there would be set standard. And although there is the argument of it discouraging creative freedom, one must remember that there is the internet. Online, “there will be no texts that everyone must read.” (Source F) People would have the opportunity to express their opinions about the subjects read in class through the internet, therefore sparking further conversation. Having a set required reading would help create a literary community.

A common ground would be formed if there were specific texts that all students of high school English were required to read. Students would be enlightened on topics that would encourage discussion both inside and out of classrooms and both in person and virtually. People nationwide would be able to have something to talk about and have a discussion or even a debate on. It would encourage people to speak their minds and communicate.