Response to a few comments

Hey Guys, I think public schooling (regardless of ones religion) should be about teaching students how to think critically- so they can make determinations on their own. Public schooling does very little of that. Education is mechanized, in the sense that students are treated as objects on an assembly line. Teachers are expected to put in knowledge and get out a high or passing test score. Shouldn't schools be concerned in helping students become what it is they want to be? Shouldn't society be concerned with the education and health of people so they can reach their own conception of a good life, and not what McDonald's, Coke, Apple Computer, Gap or American Idol suggests what is good? Instead students are educated- not just by schools, but in every since, to be consumers. GWB- after 9/11 said, go shopping- he didn't say, go reflect on how we can be a better nation, or become unified or stand up and educate for tolerance instead of hate. He said go shopping! Is how much we spend, what we own, how much we will make - so important that being and showing care to each other takes a back seat?

What is discerning is that courses on civics are offered in schools and many are still not aware of their rights, duties and laws. Texas law makers are obviously not aware of the separation between church and state, as took it upon themselves to introduce religion more prominently into their curriculum. Isn't there some sort of law about that?

The US is in want of a truly educated populous- that includes all of the degreed folk out there- that can think for itself, and not be used by the elite to move their agenda. Right now, there is an angry backlash out there- in the form of the tea party that is being used (backed by a wealthy few) to put more money in their pockets. Don't believe me? Check out http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer- But on the other side, Obama is not supporting public education in trying to privatize all the public schools through secretary of education Arne Duncans charter school policies. What ends up happening is corporate takeover of schools. Why would you put the same business in control of schools when they screwed up the economy and continue to send jobs out of the country ? ( check my sources, Diane Ravitch, 2009- Former Dept. Secretary of Education under Bush - came out against charter schools as a failed educational reform movement under the control of private hands.

Look at all the sides guys... Ask questions. Be critical... what ever anyone says- even me- question it ( respectfully) think about all sides- use Dewey's scientific method if you must, but think deeply and reflect. If we don't we are headed down a dark path of blind faith. Believe what you want, but also use your natural gifts- thinking, reflection and capacity to care...

ok guys- enough of my soap box ( now that was preachy) - check out this other blog I just started- it has the entire conversation from the speakers two weeks ago on it - http://nonviolencedemocraticeducation.blogspot.com/

The opinions expressed are mine and mine alone and the Univ of Toledo nor JHCOE has any part or responsibility for them... disclaimer...