Analyzing Context

In the following blog post I will be providing answers to the context-focused questions proved in Writing Public Lives in regards to the debate I will be arguing about.

1. What are the key perspectives or views of thought on my debate?
           
             Key perspectives are the views of teacher, students, parents, administrators, and political officials. These five perspectives tend to stand by one of two views on the issue of educational funding: it is either too low, or there is no need for change. These take a generally more liberal or conservative view.

2. What are the major point of contention or disagreements among these perspectives?

             As stated above, there tends to be conflict between those who view funding as too low and those who view funding as currently reasonable. The main points of conflict tend to be specific legislation such as Title 1 Portability and No Child Left Behind.

3. What are the points of agreement and common ground of these perspectives?

             Most agreements can be made that legislation needs to be rewritten. However, the effects of these changes will either reflect on the need for more funding or simple the need for clearer legislations.

4. What are the ideological differences between these perspectives?

            The ideologies of these groups can boil down to political stances, but to look into the more focused points of those ideologies; liberals value the students and teachers and fostering the healthiest possible school system, conservatives value managing a budget for the best of what they think the nation and state need. Neither of these are ill intended (for the most part).

5. What specific actions do each perspective call for from their audience?

             Liberals call parents and students to raise their voices in protest of the current state of funding. Students tend to direct administrators and state officials and challenge them to think about the betterment of the students. Conservatives call their fellow conservatives to hold their ground and argue for why the legislature they offer is truly the best change for the system.

6. What perspectives help to support my argument and why?

              Since I will arguing for the liberal standpoint, the perspectives of students provide first-hand evidence and accounts of the effects of funding in certain school systems. The perspective of liberal politicians are strong sources that I can use to provide new options of the system and change that should be done. The perspectives of parents and teachers can be used to support my argument as outside opinions.

7. What perspectives will be the greatest threat to my argument and why?

             The perspective of outspoken conservatives will be a threat due to their credibility and involvement in the legislation. The greatest threat may be, however, that of other liberals who don't actually believe in the majority opinion. Since I'm taking what I claim to be the liberal stance, a criticism from a credible liberal could weaken my argument greatly.

Stockwell, Jeremy "Context is good..." 11/4/08 via Flickr.com