Futility Of Public Education Reform
This is an important story about the futility of public education reform, particularly as it’s expected to serve the expectations of parents. “The system” serves well the producers — the educators and the multitudes that comprise the various sub trades and industries like textbook publishers, etc. It’s a self-oiling machine with little accountability. All “the system” needs is a steady inflow of school-age children and this the “consumer” side of the equation — parents and taxpayer dollars — generously provide.
That is, until this shot across the bow — Goodbye, Public School. It’s Not Me, It’s You — http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/goodbye-public-school-its-not-me-its-you_us_5900e7bce4b00acb75f18414
Erin Brighton, an ex-teacher with 5 small children in North Carolina, felt it was only proper to fully support public schools and did her best to show “skin in the game” by being totally involved, saying: “As an educator and an engaged citizen I want our public schools to work.” Until she finally withdrew one child with special needs 2 years ago, she never thought she would ever consider home education. For 7 years she prevailed in this mindset till she launched this short and punchy article to Huff Post with the punch line — “. . . everyone who can leave, should.”
I’m not aware of her plan now — home educate all, some, or private schools. I’m just hoping this story goes viral and spurs more parents to consider, if their children’s school experiences are unsatisfactory, how they are harming their life chances if they don’t make other choices. Hopefully, the American government will move swiftly in their new drive to widen education choices for all, not just those who can afford options. I hope this story reaches the offices of the new Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos.
[to Education Consumers Clearinghouse and Intellectual Takeout http://www.intellectualtakeout.org/blog/3-reasons-one-public-school-advocate-giving-system ]