Can the Schools Build a New Social Order?

Abstract

Although George Counts' 1932 challenge to American teachers provides a good framework for re-evaluating the roles of schools and teachers in society, his assumption that the schools alone can bring about a new social order is not likely. Teachers can expose their students to a variety of beliefs and social systems and raise issues ignored by the curriculum. They can also take stands as citizens to change society, but in the long run, all groups in society must be involved in a long-term struggle to build a social and economic democracy.