This paper draws upon conclusive findings concerning cultural capital, the work of Paulo Freire, and the current social context of education policy to understand how critical education reform is possible in the era of high stakes testing...
moreThis paper draws upon conclusive findings concerning cultural capital, the work of Paulo Freire, and the current social context of education policy to understand how critical education reform is possible in the era of high stakes testing and No Child Left Behind (NCLB). I begin this paper with conclusive findings. I will provide both classic and contemporary definitions and understandings of cultural capital, critical theoretical understandings of education from Paulo Freire, and an analysis of the present social context of US education policy largely informed by the work of Michael Apple. Next, I will provide a promising practice of education reform centered in East Harlem at Central Park East schools. Finally, I will provide policy recommendations that are influenced by but not copied directly from my promising practice because there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” education policy.
