Educational Freedom for a Democratic Society

Book excerpt: Goals 2000 and other standards-setting initiatives represent a massive shift of educational authority from families and local communities to federal and state bureaucracies, from teachers and learners to commissions of "experts" and policymakers. They replace intellectual freedom and cultural diversity with a narrow, economy-driven vision of standardization and uniformity. How will this shift affect local school districts and their professional staffs? How will it affect private schools, parents, students, and the civic life of local communities. "Educational Freedom for a Democratic Society" provides a comprehensive analysis of these questions and offers educators and citizens a vital reminder that genuine educational freedom is crucial to the health of a democratic society. -- From publisher's description.