standards through purpose

The first topic that I would like to talk to myself about is the idea of the "purpose of schooling". There are two conflicting views that are seen in the textbook. The Hutchins purpose of "transmitting society's knowledge and values," and the Dewey purpose which calls for a "reconstruction of society". While I agree with Hutchins that the knowledge of society and the values that it preaches are important aspects of an education, Dewey tickles my fancy a bit more. His idea of reconstructing society is one that preaches individualism and critical thinking. I would not call for a rebellion or anything like that, more of a revolution of thought. There is nothing more powerful than a person with an idea. That idea can grow from a puddle, to a pond, to a lake, to an ocean with the right guidance and that is where the transmission comes in from Hutchins. That is where i stand on the purpose of schooling, a general balance of individual thought and essential knowledge.
LUKE