Essentialism Philosophical Base Essentialism owes its underpinnings to both realism and idealism. Knowledge Essentialists urge that the most basic academic skills and knowledge be taught to all students. Elementary students study things like writing, reading, measurement, and computers. Even while learning art and music, subjects most often associated with the development of creativity, the students are required to master a body of information and basic techniques, gradually moving from less to more complex skills and detailed knowledge. Only by mastering the required material for their grade level are students promoted.
Essentialist programs are academically rigorous, for both slow and fast learners.
Aims of Education Essentialism, as it plays out in American education, is a conservative philosophy that accepts the social, political, and economic structure of American society as a given. Schools should not try to radically reshape society, but should transmit the traditional values and intellectual knowledge that students need to fit into American society, i.e., become model citizens. Traditional American virtues, such as respect for authority, perseverance, fidelity to duty, consideration for others, and practicality, should be paramount in everything that happens at school. Essentialists emphasize instruction in natural science rather than non-scientific disciplines such as philosophy or comparative religion. The A Nation at Risk report reflects this point of view.