> for opposing them--is going to work. there are cultural contradictions
> regarding our attitutudes toward teaching that need to be addressed, there
> are problems with the fetishization of ever new pedagogies, the problem of
> deprofessionalization, and so forth. vouchers and charters don't address
> those problems.
But follow the logic of vouchers to their twisted end: you start by privatizing the schools. Can't pay? Tough. Illiteracy rates will rise to 30%, but the hired help doesn't really need to read or write, now do they (falling enrollment will also enable districts to axe pesky teachers and smash their unions, thus saving taxpayers valuable money). Hell, they might get ideas or vote or something. Then we'll privatize the classes. Market research will determine what the most popular subjects are, which will ensure a curriculum consisting of endless reruns of early morning TV cartoons. Finally we'll privatize the grading system -- rewards will be allocated on an entirely rational minimax trading system, a.k.a. "the higher the bribe, the better your kid does". Recommendations will also be available for a small fee.
Kind of like what exists in any 3rd world country, come to think of it. But then, who says the USA is a First World country anymore?
-- Dennis