Where paternalism makes the grade

¶ … Parentalism Makes the Grade

The Impact of Paternalism in the Public Schools

In the Washington Post article tilted Where Paternalism Makes the Grade, George Will discusses the impact that this is having on the public school system. Simply put, paternalism is when a non-parent is exercising superior authority over a child such as: teacher or administrator. ("Paternalism") in the public school system, the overall amounts of debate have been continually heating up surrounding this issue. As the authority that an educator will have over a child can impact their academic performance. In the article, George Will talks about a charter school in Oakland, California. As they are using increasing amounts of paternalism to help improve achievement scores at: the American Indian Public Charter School (AIPCS). With him arguing, that the increased amounts of authority given to teachers, have improved the overall quality of education at these schools. Where, this has helped to give the teachers the tools they need to effectively reach out to students, when they are receiving a lack of structure at home. This is important, because it shows how Will is supporting the increased use of paternalism in an educational environment. To fully understand the underlying themes of the argument requires: identifying the central rhetorical methods and their impact in supporting the different ideas presented. Together, these various elements will provide the greatest insight, as to how Will is using these tools to influence readers.

The Central Rhetorical Methods that are Used

The rhetorical method that is used in the article is: the cause and effect methodology. This is when you are starting with one of the basic ideas and then begin expanding upon it, to illustrate the underlying effect that is taking place. ("Cause and Effect") in article, Will is starting out by highlighting how paternalism is having an impact upon having upon the school system. As he showing how people are more motivated to attend these different schools. A good example of this can be seen by looking no further than, the story of a 13-year-old Indian boy who was coming to the school, despite not meeting basic the academic requirements for attending. The reason why, is because the AIPCS is using an approach that embraces parentalism. As the teachers and administrators have greater amounts of control, over how to influence the behavior of the child. This is important, because it shows how Will is using this, to illustrate how the causes of paternalism are having a positive effect on the public school system. (Will, 2008)

At which point, this theme was expanded upon by: showing a how this approach can be used to embrace paternalism through a process called deduction. This is when the author is taking the different pieces of information and is drawing their own conclusions. ("Deduction") in this case, Will is using deduction to show the improvements in the school system, when the new program was implemented in 1996. According to Will, paternalism helps to increase the focus of the students, as they are learning life skills and the proper manners to be successful. These different elements are improving achievement scores at these schools, as the children have more structure in their lives. This important, because it is showing how Will is highlighting the underlying effects that paternalism is having upon the schools system through deduction. (Will, 2008)

When you step back and analyze this approach, it is clear that George Will is using the cause and effect rhetorical method, to highlight the benefits of paternalism through deduction. Where, he is taking an actual example by: showing the immediate problems facing the school system and how this approach is creating positive changes. These different elements are important, because they are underscoring the way that the cause and effect approach, is used in combination with deductive reasoning. (Will, 2008)

The Impact of this Method in Supporting the Different Ideas

The impact of this approach is that Will is making very sound arguments, as he is discussing how these ideas could improve the quality of education that is being provided. This was effective at helping to illustrate how this approach is addressing one aspect of: the problem and should be embraced in the future. As a result, the information that was presented is relevant, because it helps the reader to see how other ideas could have an impact on education. Once this occurs, it means that other ideas and approaches could be examined, which can improve achievement scores without increasing costs. In this aspect, one could argue that Will is using this strategy to address the underlying challenges affecting the school system, by highlighting how this approach could help to provide a sense of accountability. (Will, 2008)