Components of Desirable Schools

In this issue of Western European Education some components of what many people regard as a desirable school are presented. Historically, Western education has been shaped by the Greek and Roman heritage; the need of the Church to spread and perpetuate Christianity; the Protestant Reformation and Martin Luther's insistence that all people should read the Bible; the medieval guilds that developed the apprenticeship system to train their helpers and successors; and philosophers, political figures, behavioral scientists, and educators themselves. In our time we view these influences against the backdrop of contemporary social, political, and economic problems. How is education to be altered in response to them? What can we ask of our schools as they try to educate children and youth to meet these problems? What should schools be like if they are to aid the young to become knowledgeable, self-confident, socially responsible, ready to prepare for a career and to shape their lives in today's world?