And a primary object of such an Institution [Public Education], should the education of our youth in the SCIENCE OF GOVERNMENT. In a Republic what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty is more pressing on its legislature, than to patronize a plan, for communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?
Get a FREE Copy of "The Essential Federalist Papers
What Jefferson called the greatest commentary on Government ever written, organized by topic!
I doubt seriously that Washington had in mind, passing people just to move them on, or teaching political dogma as the absolute truth. I say we fire them all.. make each state responsible for its own citizens education. Maybe then, the federal govt could actually do what it is supposed to do.
I’m guessing you’re right, James.
It’s my understanding that the education of children is specifically a state designation – not the federal government. G. Washington most certainly did have an education in mind where students would be able to learn overall specifics for a common language and body of knowledge among the citzenry, but also be able to learn the local history and foundations of the individual states as well. We are losing ground on several fronts.
Fire all of whom, James?
Do away with the U. S. Dept. of Ed. That dept. is pushing liberalism, progressivism and socialism. Washington did not have in mind teaching students in 1187 those subjects or just passing someone along like they do now days.
Disregarding the previous comments, it would appear that George Washington was encouraging that the primary objective of public education should be “civics” or “government.” Have we vastly overinflated the mission and cost of public schools first on the federal involvement level and also at the local level?
Joe, why would you disregards the previous comments? That came across as rude. I cannot imagine you meant it that way.
Orville, I know and aweful lot of teachers who would agree with you on that. Get rid of DOE. Get rid of the NEA. Repeal NCLB and IDEA. Then you would see some real improvments in education.
Education of the citizenry belongs to the states and not the federal gov,t. The federal gov,t should not be involved in the education process at all. The States should only be involved is setting the basic corriculum(sp) in K thru 12 and nothing more. Civics or gov,t classes should teach the basics of the gov,t not the parties or political philosophy of the parties. As far as mandating education on sexual orientation, NO. Sex education, Yes, in Health classes only.
Not only get read of those organinations you mentioned but also take the school year back to 210 days, no spring break, and get read of busing. We found out in the 60′s in South Boston that busing doesn’t work.
Orville, 210 is too long. About 180 is enough. These are children we are talking about. They get burned out. At a certain point, the learning is done and we are just babysitting. A longer year means more babysitting not more learning. Ditto for taking away their breaks. Educational decisions like that need to be made by the professionals who know what they are doing, not by politcians, businessmen, etc. And busing would depend on why. In a rural district, the kids can’t walk to school. The bus is it.