A discriminate defense of postsecondary education

[Schrödinger's Cat]

One of the more fascinating examples of democratic precedent resides in the American university system. Although the author of this (http://busmovie.typepad.com/ideoblog/2005/02/who_owns_univer.html) particular blog appears frustrated at the deficit of for-profit schools in favor of worker-oriented facilities, his concession that the United States probably has one of the best postsecondary systems in the world illustrates a potential point for socialists to grasp hold of: the success of democratic management. With few exceptions, votes of no confidence hold leadership positions accountable to the larger faculty, and while student involvement remains passive at some universities, there is much to be said about "student councils" when comparing their authority in college to the authority invested unto them in high school. There certainly exists hierarchical demands, some susceptible to a democratic balance, others not - but generally the system of "tenure" shuffles committed teachers into positions of ownership.

Are there other industries where such a phenomena exists? The blog author directs his attention towards the regional accreditation system and its (historical) unwillingness to recognize for-profits except for extraordinary circumstances, like the University of Phoenix. In lieu of the disasterous state of education today (a system bogged down by administrators), I've been pondering over whether or not we can replicate the postsecondary model for primary education, financial assistance et al, but we're left with the question of how to cover everyone.

[Die Neue Zeit]

You raise a very, very programmatic issue here in the sphere of public education. I may have to couple this with my current position on affirmative action programs for working-class applicants.

[Schrödinger's Cat]

You raise a very, very programmatic issue here in the sphere of public education. I may have to couple this with my current position on affirmative action programs for working-class applicants.

I encourage others interested in the welfare of knowledge to pursue masters and doctorate degrees in educational administration. I hope to use my PhD one day to turn around a major Texas school district. Dallas ISD in particular is a wreck, and the superintendent gets around $400,000 a year in salary and benefits for it. Not a bad deal for the fifth worse district in the country. Utterly shameful.

Hopefully this discussion doesn't give off the impression that I'm sympathizing with the anti-public education crowd, because I'm not. They're fools. I don't have any personal objections to "school choice," though, if (and this is a big if in today's circumstances) "school choice" can be made available to all students. I certainly would not be thrilled if my college was "selected" for me by geography.

[Die Neue Zeit]

Hopefully this discussion doesn't give off the impression that I'm sympathizing with the anti-public education crowd, because I'm not. They're fools.

Although I agree with you, I'll wait until the inevitable sound-biters bite, though (given my recent experience). ;)

[Lynx]

*bump*