The Great Investment

'The Great Investment: Secondary Education in a Democracy' presents a compelling argument for the fundamental role of public schooling in the maintenance and advancement of a democratic society. Thomas H. Briggs explores the premise that secondary education is not merely a personal benefit for the individual student, but a vital investment by the state intended to yield dividends in the form of better citizenship, social stability, and collective prosperity.By examining the purpose and efficacy of high schools during a transformative era in American history, the author challenges readers to reconsider the curriculum and foundational objectives of the educational system. Briggs advocates for a more purposeful approach to teaching-one that aligns directly with the practical and civic needs of a democratic nation. This work remains a significant contribution to the philosophy of education, offering profound insights into the historical development of school systems and the ongoing debate regarding the state’s responsibility in cultivating an informed and capable electorate. 'The Great Investment: Secondary Education in a Democracy' serves as an essential text for educators, administrators, and scholars interested in the intersection of pedagogy, policy, and political theory.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.