Government Schools Part 1

Introduction

Mr. Ostrowski presents his case in no uncertain terms.  He is an advocate of removing the federal government from education.  I am an ardent home schooler, so I would agree with him on most things.  I think most people are aware that the government school system is deeply flawed.  Every day there are stories in the news about a crime at school, or how uninformed the students are about basic information.  His point is that the system is broken beyond repair.   Is it worth it to place your kids into a system that doesn't work, in the hopes that some day it will be better?  Granted, Mr. Ostrowski is not slamming the teachers in the system.  A quote from the preface, page viii, "Good people cannot do a good job in a bad system."  But in the interest of your children's futures, this is not a choice to make lightly.

The introduction to the book is a discussion of the origins of the government school system in the United States.  Contrary to popular belief, the school system was not established because what was in place was failing.  Prior to mandating attendance in government schools, literacy in the United States was high, greater than 90%.  Government intervention in schooling actually curbed a system that was succeeding.  According to Ostrowski, out of the myriad of reasons for establishing government schools in the United States, not one "included the widespread failure of private schools and families to educate children."  (page 4).

Early advocates of forced government schooling included Martin Luther, the Church reformer.  He advocated forced schooling as a way to propogate Lutheranism, and curb Catholicism, Judaism and other infidels' influence on the populace.  John Calvin was another popular advocate of government schooling.  His goal was to spread his religious doctrine by government force.  I must interject here that it is very distressing to me to discover that the start of what has become an intrusive, bullying system was based on Christian religious domination.

Prussia began establishing government schools in the early 1800's.  They started with the goal of establishing good citizens, by indoctrinating children about the role of the state.

American government schools also had an anti-religious start.  They were advocated to protect citizens from Catholic influence of immigrants.  Schools were established with government funding to prevent the Catholic parochial school system from being able to receive government dollars.  On page 8, Mr. Ostrowski has a graph depicting by category who supported government schools in the 19th century, versus who opposed them.  Supporters included : most Protestants, Unitarians, Whigs/Republicans, progressives/socialists, and unions.  Those opposed to establishing government schools were Catholics, Lutherans, Democrats, and libertarians.  It would seem that a major reason for establishing government schools in America was a fear of foreign influence, religious or otherwise.  That appears to be contrary to the thoughts of individuality and freedom that make up our culture.

Coming up: more introduction!