Cardinal Principles of Secondary Education facts for kids

The Cardinal Principles of Secondary Education were important goals set for high schools in the United States in 1918. These goals were created by a group called the Commission on the Reorganization of Secondary Education (CRSE), which was part of the National Education Association (NEA). The main idea was to help make high school education better by focusing on different important areas of life.

This report was a big step in a series of efforts to make education more standard and effective across the country. It followed earlier reports, like the one from the Committee of Ten in 1894. The ideas from the Cardinal Principles report were later shared widely by the United States Bureau of Education.

What Were the Seven Main Goals?

The Commission on the Reorganization of Secondary Education listed seven key principles or goals for students in high school. These goals were meant to help young people prepare for life after school.

• Health: This meant schools should help students understand how to stay healthy and encourage good habits. It's about learning to take care of your body.
• Command of fundamental processes: This goal focused on making sure students mastered basic skills like reading, writing, and math. These are the tools you need for all other learning.
• Worthy home membership: This principle was about preparing students to be good family members and to create a positive home environment. It included ideas about family life and responsibilities.
• Vocation: This goal aimed to help students prepare for a job or career. It meant schools should offer training and guidance to help students find work they enjoy and are good at.
• Citizenship: This was about teaching students to be responsible and active members of their community and country. It involved understanding government, laws, and how to contribute to society.
• Worthy use of leisure: This principle encouraged students to learn how to use their free time wisely and enjoyably. It could include hobbies, sports, arts, or other activities that enrich life.
• Ethical character: This goal focused on developing good morals and values in students. It was about teaching honesty, respect, responsibility, and other important character traits.

It was important to remember that these seven principles were not meant to be taught as completely separate subjects. Instead, they were seen as connected ideas that should all work together to help students grow into well-rounded individuals.