According to the Edvocate 3 important themes of American Culture that influence schools

[Mr. Ed]

Core values of American society are historically and fundamentally based on concepts of Protestantism, capitalism and republicanism.
The influence of Protestant ideology dates back to the first half of the 19th century. It is evident in school activities such as bible reading and prayer as part of normal schooling.
Back then schools were the vehicles for Americanization. This how immigrants assimilated into the dominant culture. Schools were widely used to guide the morals, attitudes and knowledge of American culture to all the children attending American schools. They operated as a mechanism through which immigrant children learned American languag, traditions and beliefs that reflected those of white Angl-Saxon Protestant (WASPs) No wonder it is mandatory for young people attend school in America Can you imagine young people thinking differently than prescribed?

Artcle continues personal freedom originates from the idea of being free of government constraints, and it is an essential component of constitutional democracy. Personal freedom includes the right to live in dignity and security and to seek fulfillment. Members of society are given the opportunity to think for themselves and make their own decisions-values that emphasize individualism, creativity and autonomy.
Children are forced to attend American schools are Americanlized to support Protestant idalism, capitalism and republicanism so they may think as individuals???

 

[Warrigal]

Nothing surprising there. One of the fundamental aims of public education everywhere is to transmit culture to the young. One of the failings is to keep transmitting a culture that no longer exists.

I was very conscious of this situation when Australia began receiving families from Vietnam and Lebanon. The children were often lost between two cultures and their very survival depended on knowing more about Australian culture. Most could not swim, especially the Lebanese girls. It was up to the school to organise swim schools as part of the curriculum, with water safety included.

Another aspect of Australian culture that they missed out on was knowledge and appreciation of the unique flora and fauna of Australia. We had an activities program where the students could choose activities of interest on Friday afternoons. I developed a bushcraft program so that I could take them into bushland and teach them how to enjoy nature safely. The program led up to a weekend camp in a nearby national park. This is what my dad did for my sister and me but the Lebanese and Vietnamese kids had no-one who could do this for them. As an Australian teacher I felt that they needed someone like me to initiate and educate them in this area.

The rest of the time I was a regular maths, science and computer teacher.

 

[Manatee]

The early American society was majority protestant and that was the world the kids would have to function in. In the Latin countries that was not the case and the respective societies reflected that. In some cases a protestant missionary would be run out of the community.
Maryland was founded as a colony for Catholics. There were Jewish people in Savannah Georgia when it was still a colony.
Things have evolved since, but at a different rate and direction in different places.

 

[Pepper]

Mr. Ed, I'd like to recommend a book I think you would enjoy:
Summerhill by A.S. Neill

"Summerhill is A. S. Neill's "aphoristic and anecdotal" account of his "famous" "early progressive school experiment in England" founded in the 1920s, Summerhill School. The book's intent is to demonstrate the origins and effects of unhappiness, and then show how to raise children to avoid this unhappiness."

You can read it free, online at
https://trisquel.info/files/summerhill-english_1.pdf

This is a really great book. I read it several times in college. Was a great help in parenthood.

"“Summerhill” is an example of his challenging views on education and freedom for children."