ABSTRACT
Public schooling in the United States today faces the largest challenge since its inception. Significant numbers of people are now repeating the charges that were initially thrown at Horace Mann's proposals: Public schools are not really "public" at all. They serve the interests of some and work against the interests of others. This chapter examines their case and considers how advocates of continued public education might respond. It starts with a discussion of cases that raise grave concerns about the wisdom of allowing a separation of state and school, follow this with an examination of the case made by advocates of separation, and then suggest how defenders of public schooling might respond. Throughout the discussion, the chapter is concerned with the effects of our responses on teachers, students, and what is taught about democratic life.
