What is the Purpose of Schools?

The most well-known purpose of school is to teach children the information they need to know to be professionally and educationally successful. In laymen's terms, schools are learning centers. However, should this be the prevailing reason? In the simplest circumstances imaginable I would agree that it should be. Unfortunately, simplicity is not the reality for all children. Within our nation we have populations who struggle with homelessness, starvation, drug addiction, inadequate health care, and the list goes on. As these populations are increasing, schools are now faced with a precursory barrier to teaching their children. For a child to grow and succeed, they must have each of their hierarchal needs met primarily. If the children are starving or without shelter their physiological needs are not met. If they are abused at home, then their safety needs are not met. If they are neglected outside of the walls of the school, then their need for love and belongingness has not been met. In this sort of mental state, they cannot achieve their maximum potential, and any expectations to perform otherwise would be as to suggest they prioritize their education over their survival. We have come to realize that for schools to be efficient learning centers they must wrap their arms around social welfare. Schools are now purposed with ensuring that children are fed, clothed, cared for, and protected. It is not only our problem to aid in these issues, but also to identify signs of them. Over the past few decades, we have seen an emergence of school nurses, social workers, free or reduced lunch programs, and counsellors. Learning is not simply supported by these new roles; it depends on them. Our students who have been disadvantaged by their circumstances cannot grow without them. We all understand that education is a particularly important function of school, but the school's role in social welfare has become a top priority as our nation has evolved.