Discussion Post for AB, Caroline, Marty, Melody and Steeve

Education is becoming increasingly linked to entrepreneurial ventures and political shifts. This capitalism to classrooms phenomenon is referenced throughout this week's readings. It is extremely disconcerting reading how matter-of-fact the ties to education and profits are mentioned. Organizations seem to have a foothold in how we teach, what we teach, and even why we teach, and money is at the root of it all. The countless educational programs often have self serving agendas (profits) and at times have proven not to be effective.  The Kumashiro and Allington articles are littered with mention of this devious relationship. "The Neoliberal Movements: Education as a Capitalist Enterprise" section of Kumashiro's article was one of the more salient sections of the readings. Kumashiro mentions the pro-business ideology that exists in education and education reform, and the, "interconnected web of organizations and initiatives." (p. 59) This pro-business approach also holds the notion that, "individuals can reach their highest potential when put into competition with one another, like businesses in a so called "free market" economy." (p. 59)

 If this business like approach drives education policy, what are the implications for us as teachers? What are the implications for our students?

What are your thoughts on this aforementioned "devious relationship?" Are there ways to distance the power organizations hold over education?

We've discussed the language of power and privilege, and also how education is a major contributor to society being reproduced. What are some connections to this week's readings?

Yours in the Hustle,
Steeve