The Observation Deck

It's so sad in education, when interests with agendas coming from whatever direction get in the way of what is best for our young people.

I do feel these days, that there is a greater consensus than ever before with teachers' unions and administrative personnel, regarding student developmental priorities.

I also would assert that the NEA has been at the forefront of child advocacy for many years.

This may be an "agree to disagree" issue between us, Vince.

I've been there. I feel very comfortable with my opinion here.

Gary,

You are a great person to answer my original question. Is the Federal Department of Education needed? Or do they pass unfunded mandates and NCLB and would we be better off spending the huge amount of money of this bureacracy locally? Are they worthwhile?

Thanks,

Lynn

Hi Lynn,

I was afraid that you'd get around to asking me that question..

A good answer, quite honestly, would depend on your political point of view, I suppose.

Should education be centrally directed, or locally controlled? If locally controlled, should spending be equally spread statewide, or left to the resources of each district? (again, local control issues)

Should public tax money continue to be used as vouchers, following children even into private schools? Into home schooling?

Should schools even BE public anymore? Or should EVERY aspect of learning be privatized and made competitive?

Or conversely, should EVERY aspect of education be centrally regulated by governmental entities?

Can there exist a middle ground? Where?

Should we opt for more diversity, or uniformity?

For that matter, should education be competitive or cooperative? Can it be both? Should it be?

Lynn, these are just a few of the types of things that have come up in the past few years in education.

In short, I do believe that many people feel that the education of their children is passing from their hands into agenda-laden institutions. In some cases, the parents WANT institutions having their own agendas.

American education seems to be fragmenting into polemic segmentation. I still feel that the answer lies in the free public school system and the free exchange of ideas in the marketplace. For there to be an effective national Department of Education, there would need to be a clear national consensus for education. I hope we figure that one out before the whole house of cards disintegrates into irredeemable ignorance and fear.

The public schools are probably the last bulwark against America's disintegration into factionalism