I think one of the things we, and I definately include myself, is the role
of the progressive discourse itself. I think those argueing for so called
choice in schools and their utilization of a progressive discourse is more
than simply manipulation of a discourse. Our continual emphasis on
individual needs, self actualization etc which have always been a part of
the progressive movement in education can not be seperated from the current
discourse of choice. Somewhere along the line education has been reasoned
about as an individual endeaver rather than a social one, and I see that as
allowing "choice" to be possible. I also feel in the era of budget
contraints, tax revolts etc. the economic sphere is seen as the only avenue
for progressive action.
Many critique's of the old school; constructivism with an emphasis on
individual development and meaning has played an implicit if not explicit
role in making education something individualistic in which the discussion
of school choice appears logical. Also, many of the assumptions of the old
school that made education "social" are very questionable by todays
standards. I think we need to question how the liberal left and right, in
the liberal tradition sort of way, work off and influence each other.
Individualism is a very powerful discourse in a society such as the U.S.
and it makes both progressive and school choice reforms very popular to the
populous at large. Where I think some of the better critiques of choice,
which I include Apple, Torres, among others, is the issue of public
accountability. This is where the foundation that choice is built upon
falls apart. Many early advocates of choice in the lowincome African
American communities in Milwaukee are currently argueing for accountability
in choice. This of course totally defeats the Bradley Foundation and
others attempts at choice. We need to continue to send the message home of
public accountability which is also a powerful discourse as we have seen in
recent public school reforms. My concern with community, individualization
etc. is they are discourses of decentralization which in the end gives
those who want to dismantle public education more legitimacy.
Nate
>
> > > 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
> > >
>
> --
> 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
>