WebLog 5 February 24, 2011
Slattery: After reading your book, it seems you have some extreme opinions on how politics and our economy have affected our education.
Apple: Yes, I do have strong opinions. But I also believe them to be true, and I believe that there are many people in the educational field who support these beliefs. Congress has made a political spectacle of our educational system and this has caused tremendous inequalities in our society. The most recent No Child Left Behind act has completely disabled our children. Not only are our children missing out on getting a strong education that is grounded with good values due to the way our teachers have to “teach to the tests”, but the minorities and lower classes of this country are not getting nearly the same education as the upper class families. This is unacceptable, and we MUST create some possible, realistic solutions – and fast….before our educational system collapses!
Slattery: Whoa, calm down… no need to get so defensive! I don’t necessarily disagree with you….I also believe that teachers need to create meaningful learning experiences that are grounded with good values. I don’t think our teachers should be “teaching to the tests.” I feel that too often teachers are bound by the hegemony of our educational society….or the neoliberal agendas, as you like to put it. You are right in many ways. Our teachers are not encouraged to allow students to question information, attitudes, or various interpretations of the curriculum. And, I also feel that our system is somewhat prejudice as it does not really give room for our underprivileged students to “come out of the trenches” and make something of themselves.
Apple: Oh…so you do understand….
Slattery: Yes, I do. I believe that teachers should not just have the opportunities, but should also be encouraged to “think out of the box” when approaching curriculum. They should be teaching to the “world of the student” and allow them to make personal connections to the curriculum through biographical and autobiographical experiences – such as the process of currere.
Apple: Yes! That is exactly what I am saying! There are no opportunities for such experiences when our system is forcing teachers to conform to the hegemonic right of conservative modernization! Something must be done….
Slattery: Agreed, but much easier said than done.
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