Public Goods, Private Goods: The American Struggle Over Educational Goals

A very nice opinion piece that puts education reform in context of three larger goals (democratic equality, social efficiency, and social mobility).

According to the article, the central problem with American education is political…we are fighting among ourselves about the goals of schooling. "Before we launch yet another research center (to determine "what works") or propose another organizational change" we need to engage in a political discussion about goals. (p. 40-41).
 
http://aer.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/34/1/39