After you read this chapter, you should be able to

6.1 Assess the general goals of American education and explain their importance.
6.2 Critique the wide-ranging nature of American education goals and the challenges these bring.
6.3 Compare and contrast how conservative, liberal, and critical theory education critics offer differing views of schools’ role in society and how schools can improve.
6.4 Support how education is an investment in human capital.
6.5 Defend the ways that education is still the key to achieving the American Dream.