Paradigm Shift Essay Outline

1. Introduction
   1. Discuss the state of our educational system
   2. Explain what the concept of equality of educational opportunity is and where/how it developed
   3. Identify the shift
   4. Thesis: With the goal of achieving equality of educational opportunity, the educational system in the United States initially focused on the issue of access; however, as the perception of equality has evolved, the system now places a much larger emphasis on equality of results, negatively impacting the environment of public schools.
2. Access
   1. Evidence
   2. Example
   3. Argument
   4. Tries to ensure that if everyone has the same education, students will be educated equally
3. Prove the shift
   1. Evidence
   2. Example
   3. Argument
4. Equality of Results
   1. Evidence
   2. Example
   3. Argument
   4. Tries to ensure that despite the inputs, students’ outputs will be equal
5. Causes and Implications of Equality of Results
   1. Unrealistic standards of accountability
      1. Evidence/Example
   2. Stress/anxiety for students and educators
      1. Evidence/Example
   3. Students/Educators seen as numbers
      1. Evidence/Example
6. Conclusion
   1. Equality of results should not be used to achieve equality of educational opportunity
   2. There are too many variables contributing to a students’ performance
   3. Equality of Results negatively impacts the purpose of education
   4. There needs to be a new way to ensure equality of educational opportunity