[submitted to SQE on A Civil Discourse, Aug 08, http://www.societyforqualityeducation.org/index.php/blog/read/a-civil-discourse ]
WALKING ON EGGSHELLS — NO MORE — PUBLIC EDUCATION DISCOURSE TODAY
The public generally, and parents in particular, have been deliberately excluded from decision-making in education for a long time. Books have been written about the damage done to the education mission.
While tons of books try to “engage” parents — to “empower” parents — these have been rather futile as the established order remains immune and dismissive.
Two books however do inform us more closely about the “whys” — why a threatened and defensive system builds up the barricades. One just has to be reminded of the Jeffry Moore case, 15 years in the courts, which was heralded as a great and profound breakthrough for parent and student rights — but two years later — continuing disappointment for most families with special needs children.
* Parental Involvement and the Political Principle: why the existing governance structure of schools should be abolished (1995). Abolished why? Because without genuine parent involvement, without customer input, the system languishes and parents are deskilled from their normal biological impulses. Seymour Sarason was a renowned psychologist and he was frustrated with the absurdity of school organizations.
* Parents and Schools: the 150-year struggle for control in American education (2000), William Cutler describes play-by-play the factors leading to parental marginalization — rise of teacher unions, political agendas, weak “lay” control, growth of bureaucracy, etc. In his closing chapter he sees the recurring themes of dissension and failed reforms continuing.
What Has Happened Since 2000?
Thanks to technology there has been an explosion of communications between parents, parent groups and their supporters because of the INTERNET. The mindset of the establishment is still largely insular — still believing in one-size-fits-all, that elitist central command knows what’s best, etc., etc.
At least some parents are feeling a lot better that they are not alone. Notable blogs and groups have arisen to disseminate information and encouragement. Parents and supporters now know much more about the self-serving strategies that displace their voices. We now know why parental choice is such a threat to entrenched interests. We now know that manipulation through sophisticated Public Relations is also being used to thwart pushback.
This is important. We also are now able to warn parents —as systems are being streamlined — that defensive and threatened people can attack their critics with questionable tactics — to beware.
Society for Quality Education has been a godsend in these troubled times. The debates have been enlightening. What continues to frustrate is not being able to see development in the cause. Topics are introduced that help people ventilate, but not really contribute to solutions. However, sites like SQE have helped the Math Pushback in Canada.
I think the mechanics of this blog might be adjusted so that people can be notified when new comments come in, as done on other blogs.
Meanwhile, we in BC are having “challenging” times. But, again thanks for the blessings of the INTERTNET, I think the dysfunction of the current rigid and outdated system is being hugely challenged.
Here is my latest contribution to the raging debates we are having here: Education Debit Account Idea Explained http://www.parentsteachingparents.net/2014/08/education-debit-account-idea-explained/