Rather Perplexing

The latest critic of American education is a man who I admired for many of his progressive and thoughtful ideas on a whole host of issues.   His name is Thom Hartmann.   He hasn't criticized teachers or the idea of public education but he sure is lamenting its condition.

I would submit to you, as I did in part yesterday, that nothing today is as it was in the 'good old days.'   A parent was often home when a child came to and from school, there were no inclusion children labeled as such, Special Education did not exist in the curriculum, many students did not opt to attend college, and the population was rather homogeneous for the most part.

I am not criticizing the changes at all.   In fact, in the long run, they will lead to improvements in the field of education.  I am simply stating that the conditions under which we educate children today is vastly different than years ago.   It is also a fact that government mandates have much to do with teaching and learning.   In large part, the top educators of our day have too little power and sway when it comes to input on teaching and learning.

Thom has always been a champion of public education.   Perhaps he still is but when one of our own is left perplexed and bewildered about the state of American education then we had better get to work.

Dick