Essentialism is an educational philosophy in which it is important to “promote and instill cultural literacy in all students” (Morrison, 2009, p.338). Teachers teach only the basic skills they deem necessary for educational and cultural growth. I have noticed several things during my experience with the school system that lead me to suggest that our school system is based on the philosophy of essentialism. Essentialists believe that a program that develops cultural literacy and basic skills is necessary. In my experience, I grew up in a school system that incorporated the philosophy of essentialism into their teaching styles. My teachers focused on meeting the standards set by the state. Students were informed of what was expected of them and how the program would be defined to achieve these goals. We were taught the core subjects which were English, Mathematics, History and Science. I went to high school in the Kern school district and they had these AG requirements that every student wanting to graduate had to complete. Only one of these requirements met the ass...