Where to start? We have too much crony capitalism. Many of our young people graduate unprepared for productive work. Productivity gaps translate into income and wealth gaps. Some of our poorest children are condemned to the worst schools.
Terry Moe and Russ Roberts report that these are all wound up as one big problem: the ways in which the education establishment has succeeded in choking off reform and innovation and experimentation. And many of the people who fret most about all these things are dug in on the anti-reform side.
Moe's research centers on the pre- and post-Katrina New Orleans schools. The school board resisted reforms and the outcomes were predictable -- and awful. Graduation rates were in he mid-20% range. But the Katrina devastation was so severe that not only buildings but the administrative infrastructure that ran the schools had to be replaced. In desperation, charter schools were allowed. Parents became involved. A freer atmosphere that allowed experimentation followed. Graduation rates doubled,
Moe and Roberts emphasize that none of this was planned. Good news and bad news. A small measure of openness brings welcome change. But it takes a mighty hurricane. What can we expect for the rest of the country?
Terry Moe and Russ Roberts report that these are all wound up as one big problem: the ways in which the education establishment has succeeded in choking off reform and innovation and experimentation. And many of the people who fret most about all these things are dug in on the anti-reform side.
Moe's research centers on the pre- and post-Katrina New Orleans schools. The school board resisted reforms and the outcomes were predictable -- and awful. Graduation rates were in he mid-20% range. But the Katrina devastation was so severe that not only buildings but the administrative infrastructure that ran the schools had to be replaced. In desperation, charter schools were allowed. Parents became involved. A freer atmosphere that allowed experimentation followed. Graduation rates doubled,
Moe and Roberts emphasize that none of this was planned. Good news and bad news. A small measure of openness brings welcome change. But it takes a mighty hurricane. What can we expect for the rest of the country?
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