Is the purpose of schools to help children reach their individual potential, or to teach children to conform for the good of society as a whole?

Is the purpose of schools to help children reach their individual potential, or to teach children to conform for the good of society as a whole?
What should schools do about “disruptive” children?
In the 21st century, do kids have it easier or harder than their parents & grandparents did?
Are school-age children ready to deal with the harsh reality of life?
Given the choice between time for play or time for academics, which one matters more for kids?
Should parents make decisions based on what kids need, or what parents need?
The above list should offer something that interests everyone, but if you’d like to write about a slightly different issue (yet still focused on this week’s topic), please feel free to do so.

Since this task is intended to help us delve into the material in a way that will support learning, please remember to apply at least one of the REQUIRED CONCEPTS in a relevant and more-or-less accurate way. Pick one of these concepts (naturalistic observation, laboratory observation, survey, or experiment)