On Mon, Sep 6, 2010 at 3:37 PM, Chuck Grimes <c123grimes at att.net> wrote:
> So, anyone got any direct, verifiable reference about Gates putting money
> into the Tea Party?. FC
>
> -----------
>
> You'll probably have better luck tracking Gates through education policy.
> Diane Ravitch mentions him as a big supporter for privatization of
> education. I believe it.
>
> He has an obvious business interest in the computerized classroom, software
> and production of CDs instead of text learning materials. And there are
> other dimensions, like the break up of teacher unions, and the de-skilling
> of teachers into a short term work force of a couple of years before they
> burn out and move on.
>
> To get a hint at what curriculum is like, look up the industry for reading
> and math programs. There are entire `systems' made for home schooling,
> church schools, private charters. They are structured through study guides
> to make teaching into a production system that anybody can fit.
>
> So, my guess these `teaching' systems are one means toward a de-skilling
> system for teachers. On the other side of the production, there are the
> kids. Below is a link to a discussion on Race to the Top and Chicago
> schools:
>
>
> http://www.democracynow.org/2010/9/3/educators_push_back_against_obamas_business
>
> The key point of interest for me was the predicted outcome of a work force
> with an eighth or nineth grade education to fit the bulk of jobs that
> require about that much education.
>
> Lois Weiner makes it sound a little too conspiratorial for my taste. I
> think the education plans simply reflect what a business mind thinks it
> needs to fill most job slots in offices and service industries. The work in
> most jobs is very scripted via computer menu systems.
>
>
> ``Spanish language media is spreading the word that Bill is
> behind the Tea Party...'' FC
>
> That's too bad. Gates's interest in education is far more damaging.
>
> For tea party funding, follow the Koch brothers, and the Wyly brothers.
>
> CG
>
>
> ___________________________________
> http://mailman.lbo-talk.org/mailman/listinfo/lbo-talk
>
-- ********************************************************* Alan P. Rudy Dept. Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work Central Michigan University 124 Anspach Hall Mt Pleasant, MI 48858 517-881-6319