1st= Government

CNN always has something to say about it, our local news coverage always includes it, and the classroom can't live without it: The Government. It is the first thing on my diagram of literacy in my life. I put the government first, along with the American flag and money, because of all the things that our democratic government can both provide, and take away. The American flag symbolizes the American ideal and our goal to provide every child with an education. This also includes the "No Child Left Behind" plan of our leaders. The dollar symbols enveloping the capital illustrates what must back these ideals in order for them to take hold. Without money, our government would have no tools to aid others, and without the aid, some students may never have the opportunity to have literacy taught to them. I also believe that this is an idealistic view of our government and how it can help others. In all reality, the upper-elite of our society can control the agenda of bills by either backing them or deciding to forgo plans. This type of influence implies that whether our society realizes it or not, the upper class of our society is somewhat deciding what things should be taught in schools across the nation, what morals and lessons should be told, and what things should be omitted from the curriculum. These congressman, senators, politicians, etc. are imposing their views of what literacy should be taught as into our public education systems. This is why I view the government sitting at the top of my pyramid of literacy influences.