Articles Contained in SIRS Enduring Issues 2005.

Originally Published: Will Schools Ever Be Free from the Chains of State Control?, March 2004; pp. 30-32.

"America's educational history is the story of a conflict between two strong traditions. On the one hand is academic freedom. Control once was decentralized, and educational institutions were voluntary, cooperative efforts between parents, teachers, students, and charitable organizations and local governments. Parents sought options for their children that harmonized with their religious and cultural traditions, and constitutional protections--including freedom of expression, religion, and association--helped to protect diverse institutions from state repression. On the other hand, there is state-controlled schooling. The rise of the public school accompanied large waves of immigration in the 19th century. Government control was thought necessary in order to assimilate the children of immigrants, and to avoid conflicts over state subsidization of minority religious concerns. In one respect, this latter tradition largely has carried the day; well over 80% of kids now attend public schools. Nonetheless, the ethos of educational freedom still exists." (USA TODAY MAGAZINE) The authors present their views in support of school choice programs.

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