I came to believe that debates in education are not about achievement or test scores or preparing tomorrow’s workforce at all. They are about gaining the political power to control money and secure special privileges.
Glass, Gene V (2008-06-01). Fertilizers, Pills & Magnetic Strips The Fate of Public Education in America (Kindle Locations 216-218). IAP – Information Age Publishing, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
I have another book recommendation. Available on the Kindle for $2. The quote above gives you a taste of the book’s focus.
Gene Glass is a well-known educational researcher. However, he has concluded that research and research data do not hold the answers for present educational debates. The research does not matter because other forces (see quote) are the major determinants of decisions.
I tend to agree with Glass. What I find ironic about this situation is that educators are strongly discouraged from participating in political discussions regarding the profession they pursue. It hardly seems fair.