Apple's Book: Chapter 2

One sentence really stuck with me in chapter 2 of Apple's book. "Education is a site of struggle and compromises" (pg. 30). I am sure all of us who are educators can probably relate to this. I know for me personally, I have dealt with struggle - from working at a school who was short money for payroll, to families who have disagreed or ingored my interests/handling of their student, etc. In the three short years I have been teaching, I have had struggles. But yet, I have also been victorious and have seen compromises - i.e. the way teachers put aside their differences for the good of the school or in the best interest of a student. The examples are endless - and we have all had our share.

Besides the quote from Apple mentioned above, there were many things in this chapter which interested me. I found it helpful that Apple further explained neoliberals, neoconservatists, and authoritarian populists. I am beginning to make a little more sense of all these groups and their viewpoints. I hope as I read further, perhaps classify myself as one of the above - or see if I fit in one group better than the next. Or perhaps I am a little of each in my beliefs and viewings.

Lastly, I would just like to mention Apple's introduction of this chapter - "Our educational institutions are seen as total failures" (pg. 29). I am not sure if I agree with this or not. I understand that some schools are in distress with students failing, levies not passing, etc. But surely there are some wonderful, successful schools out there? Really is the whole educational system seen as a failure? I happen to think the school I work at is great - sure enrollment is down, but no one goes walking around the hallway saying we have failed. We look at the positive, our strengths, and accomplishments instead. I just hope not all educators feel this sense of doom and failure. How can we spin this around and show people the good of schools? This last question may spark debate among some or many may be doubtful of this considering the state of our country right now. And that's where I shall end . . . . throwing my thoughts and opinions out into the open for others to consider. . . . .