By Kerry McDonald The desire to control other people’s ideas and behaviors, particularly when they challenge widely-held beliefs and customs, is one of human nature’s most nefarious tendencies. Socrates was sentenced to death for stepping out of line; Galileo almost was. But such extreme examples are outnumbered by the many more common, pernicious acts of trying to control … [Read more...] about “We” Should Not Regulate Homeschooling
Education
Community Schools Are Not the Antidote to Charter Schools
Op-Ed by John Klyczek Democratic presidential candidates, such as Elizabeth Warren, have pledged to fix the American education system by replacing privatized charter schools with “community schools” that incorporate “socioemotional-learning (SEL)” programs. These “Democratic” community schools, which teach “social skills” and “emotional competencies,” might sound like … [Read more...] about Community Schools Are Not the Antidote to Charter Schools
Outschool.com Takes Education Out Of Schooling
By Kerry McDonald Supporting education beyond schooling is a key feature of many educational technology platforms. While some may be integrated into conventional classrooms, complementing a traditional curriculum, emerging technology is increasingly helping to separate education from schooling and catalyze new models of K-12 learning. As its name implies, Outschool.com is … [Read more...] about Outschool.com Takes Education Out Of Schooling
How School Districts Put Politics Before Children
By Matthew Bankert Many people wary of government power rightly criticize public schools for being more indoctrination than education. When the institution is fully dependent on the state for support, why would any ideas be put forth that could put their lifeblood in jeopardy? On education, Mises wrote in Human Action: …as soon as one wants to go farther [than elementary … [Read more...] about How School Districts Put Politics Before Children
How Micro-School Networks Expand Learning Options
By Kerry McDonald Technology has the potential to decentralize K-12 education and make it more learner-directed, upending a top-down system in favor of individual autonomy and self-determination. But the technology can’t do this alone. It requires a learning environment that fosters creativity and curiosity, using digital platforms and supportive adults to facilitate … [Read more...] about How Micro-School Networks Expand Learning Options