Have we forgotten Horace Mann?

Joe Six-pack probably couldn't tell you about Horace Mann, but a teacher could. A recent NY Times editorial points out that: "Public education was built on the philosophy articulated by Horace Mann, the Massachusetts reformer who pioneered the Common School: a system “one and the same for both rich and poor” with “all citizens on the same footing of equality before the law of land.”

How's that working out these days? Turns out, not so well.

The Times gives some examples:

"Many schools that have already reduced hours, increased class sizes and eliminated electives are also now charging fees for workbooks, use of lab equipment and other basic instructional materials; extracurricular activities long considered essential are now available only to students who can afford them."

"In Medina, Ohio, The Wall Street Journal reported, it now costs $660 for a child to play on a high school sports team, $200 to join the concert choir and $50 to act in the school play. High school students in Overland Park, Kan., pay a $120 “activity programming fee” and a $100 “learning resources fee.” In Naperville, Ill., they are charged textbook and workbook fees, even for basic requirements like English and French, according to The Chicago Tribune."

Have you heard that the January Regents exams have been saved from cancellation for the coming school year? Did you know that it is because NYC mayor Bloomberg and 5 other wealthy folks raised $1.5 million to pay for them? Next year, maybe we'll just have a bake sale.

"Most state constitutions, in fact, guarantee all students a sound, basic public education. These constitutional rights cannot be put on hold, even in tough times. It is unconstitutional to call on parents to pay for textbooks and lab fees for required courses. And art, music, sports, basic educational support services and many extracurricular activities that promote learning, creativity and character are not luxuries; they, too, are essential features of a sound, basic education."

The Times concludes: "It is disgraceful that essential components of our public education system now depend on the charitable impulses of wealthy citizens."