At no time in history have we all agreed upon what the schools and colleges should be and should do. Today we promote a college education for practically everyone. In 1990 the median number of years of schooling completed by Americans over 25 was 12.7, and half of all college age were in a college of some sort. College enrollments have stabilized, and questions are being asked about the necessity or even desirability of universal college education. Between 1910 and 1990 the proportion of workers employed as professionals quadrupled.
Technological development requires special education.
About two out of seven persons in the U.S. are attending some kind of school. Resistance to school taxes has been growing in the U.S., especially in school districts with many minority students. Federal support for education has been declining in recent years. Many states have been reducing education funding and staffing. Educators will be fortunate if they can block further cuts in school support.