We Don’t Need No Education

What if a high school (or middle school) didn’t give grades, didn’t have a structured curriculum, and allowed students to design their own courses? I think most people will read that and say, “Obviously it can work or you wouldn’t ask that question.” Then they will tell you, “but I don’t believe in it”.  St. Ann’s Website.

And that’s pretty well where it is. Most people don’t believe it. The same way most people refuse to believe that the crime rate has been declining for 10 years. Here’s a New York Times article about the school, and a lengthier article about the visionary founder.

The Crime Rate and Stephen Harper

The crime rate in Canada has been declining for about 10 years.

So whatever it is we do now is actually working.

That won’t stop Stephen Harper from introducing his mean-spirited “tough on crime” legislation, because it’s a sop to the party base.  If the crime rate continues to go down: it worked!  But, best of all, if the crime rate actually goes up after his new anti-crime measures, he will simply say that that proves we need even more of them!

(Conrad Black- of all things– after his personal experience of prison– is opposed to Harper’s plans.)