No Politician Left Behind

The Nation on the absurd nature of the politics of education:

(No Child Left Behind) proposes to accomplish a statistical impossibility (that all children score in the top twenty-fifth percentile); it raises false expectations; it's built on an illusion that tests alone can--and should--measure worthwhile standards; that schools can do it all; that progress comes in steady increments; that penalties will motivate children and teachers; that lack of money is a mere excuse; that a single nationwide system is part of the American dream; and, finally, that schools can do it all. The law literally dictates the books we are allowed to use on a national basis, not to mention the pedagogy for teaching literacy and, coming soon, math. Before long, until eighth grade, little else will get taught at all.

Yet virtually no high-powered public figures, nor any important leaders of either party (including John Kerry), have done more than demur from this or that aspect of this preposterous bill. Meanwhile, those closest to the action (teachers, principals and superintendents organizations, as well as local school boards) are in almost unanimous opposition--but quietly, as they are fearful of being seen as whiners, a defensive coalition of self-interests.

Click here for the rest.

Whether it is intentional, or simply due to political expediency, stories like this make it absolutely clear that, in America, learning is not the true goal of education--if it was, "No Child Left Behind" would have never been implemented in the first place. Indeed, learning is simply the justification used to make possible public education's true goal, the indoctrination of children into the culture of authority and obedience.

If you've been reading Real Art regularly, you already know what I mean...

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