Re: 20th century capitalism?
Ken Goodman (kgoodman who-is-at u.arizona.edu)
Sun, 30 May 1999 23:34:24 -0700
Emile Dirkheim said every society has the one educational system that
best fits its values. Having spent my life in schools - and seen change
in schools over the century I am convince he was wrong. In the 30's we
were asking the question- Dare the schools change society. The only
aspect of American Society that is socialistic in the basic is
education. America built the idea- call it a myth if you will- that
education should be universal and paid for by society as a whole. One of
the strengths of American education and its greatest problem is that
control has been localized. That delayed change and development but it
also made it possible for schools, teachers and school districts to
resist standardization. If schools are playing the role of supporting
20th century capitalism so well why is so much political power and money
being spent to control curriculum, teaching and learning and literacy.
Why are certification laws being written to deskill teaching, why does
California black list teacher educators, programs, ideas? WHy did we
need a law to force a national literacy curriculum.
I said once before but I'll say it again. Underlying this discussion is
a profound disrespect for teachers.
Ken Goodman
--
Kenneth S. Goodman, Professor, Language, Reading & Culture
504 College of Education, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
fax 520 7456895 phone 520 6217868
These are mean times- and in the mean time
We need to Learn to Live Under Water