I think that education is definitely political. Take a look at the most recent election here in Rhode Island. Governor elect Lincoln Chaffee was constantly being critisized for "being in bed with the teachers union" while others criticized him for possibly denying the "Race to the Top" money that the state won. These were huge points that were constantly brought up throughout the election, to say that the topic of education didn't play a big role would be a mistake.
Take the Texas text book controversy for example. It quickly became an old school south conservative VS liberal "anti Christian" issue. The text books made sure they put Barack Obama's middle name "Hussein" almost every time his name appears in the text, likely to draw attention to Saddam Hussein. Education is always political because it's about the future, and about that future is forged.
"To socialize students, education tries to teach them the shape of knowledge
and current society, the meaning of past events, the possibilities for the future
and the world they live in."
This quote is important. As teachers we will have to help shape not only the student his or herself but the knowledge they are receiving. We do this by giving past events meaning and showing them that there are many possibilities for them in the future.
"In addition, the way classrooms, schools, colleges and programs are gover
ned is political. Is there a negotiated curriculum in the class, or is a unilateral
authority exercised by the teacher?"
Teachers truly can be the proverbial Governor of the classroom, with teaching assistants the mayors and the principal the President. These forms of hierarchy are taught to kids at a very young age. I know that when I was coming up I knew that it was much worse to be get in trouble and have to go to the Principal's office then to just be talked to by my teacher.
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