elementary education

Elementary education, also called primary education, is the first stage traditionally found in formal education, beginning at about age 5 to 7 and ending at about age 11 to 13.

Whether parents or other adults should be able to ban books from elementary schools and libraries is intensely debated. Some say adults have a right to decide if their kids are exposed to controversial issues. Others say exposure to new ideas helps kids navigate the world and be empathetic. For more on the banned books debate, visit ProCon.org.

Whether corporal punishment should be used in elementary schools is widely debated. Some say it is the appropriate discipline for certain children when used in moderation because it sets clear boundaries and motivates children to behave in school. Others say can inflict long-lasting physical and mental harm on students while creating an unsafe and violent school environment. For more on the corporal punishment debate, visit ProCon.org.

Whether dress codes should be implemented and enforced in elementary education settings is hotly debated. Some argue dress codes enforce decorum and a serious, professional atmosphere conducive to success, as well as promote safety. Others argue dress codes reinforce racist standards of beauty and dress and are are seldom uniformly mandated, often discriminating against women and marginalized groups. For more on the dress code debate, visit ProCon.org.