Although I appreciate the simplicity of their definition, as a result of relying solely on equal coverage on content, other factors that have an influenced on student opportunity are downplayed. This strikes me as surprising, and leads me to grapple with the definition in a more complex manner. Let us consider the expectations of the federal government and the nation’s citizens (specifically parents and students), and how all parties would respond if the definition had been implemented in a federal report. Like the federal reports reviewed in class, the research done by Schmidt, Cogan, and McKnight would be greatly analyzed, critiqued, and more importantly pressed for positive results by all parties. Specifically, I ponder if the United States, considering the country’s historical reliance on competition, is indeed ready for equal opportunity in the field of education. What I also find fascinating about Schmidt, Cogan, and McKnight’s definition of equality of opportunity, is that it already opens the door to critique. According to the authors’ claim, when equal content coverage is provided, equal opportunity is a guarantee. When making such a bold and confident claim, researchers should consider the response of their audience. Educators, students, and parents may be inclined to question this claim, and at the …show more content…
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