A few thoughts on the 2-tier system ("dream-hoarding" per @stephenfgordon riffing on @RichardvReeves) We shouldn't be surprised. The wealthy will always find ways to get a leg up (see @tammyschirle's tweets about selecting; she's right). theglobeandmail.com/canada/article… @globeandmail 1/
@stephenfgordon @RichardvReeves @tammyschirle @globeandmail What we don't have in our current "one-size fits all" system, where the gov't funds and runs almost all schools, is a means by which the poorer can get both the means to choose, and a variety of options from which to choose... 2/ @cardusca @globeandmail
@stephenfgordon @RichardvReeves @tammyschirle @globeandmail @cardusca Currently, those with the funds and means of working the system to their advantage do so, to nobody's surprise. Here's another example @OttawaCitizen ottawacitizen.com/news/local-new… This will continue unless structural changes with real re-distributional power takes place. 3/ @cardusca
@stephenfgordon @RichardvReeves @tammyschirle @globeandmail @cardusca @OttawaCitizen What might it look like to give the poor the means & actual choice? 1. Actual educational pluralism. What's that? Here's as good a definition as any: 2. Significant redistribution of real money for education directly to those who need it. @cardusca 4/
@stephenfgordon @RichardvReeves @tammyschirle @globeandmail @cardusca @OttawaCitizen People worry that this will mean more inequality, but there is absolutely no reason for this to be the case. In fact, there's a strong case to be made that if #onpoli were to restructure its system to adapt to the diverse needs of students, and provide significant funding... 5/
@stephenfgordon @RichardvReeves @tammyschirle @globeandmail @cardusca @OttawaCitizen to those with less $ (and yes, this means the rich should pay some money from their own pockets...they already do, this would simply regularize it) to pay for an education that actually meets their kids' diverse needs, the system would very likely be MORE equal. 6/ @cardusca
@stephenfgordon @RichardvReeves @tammyschirle @globeandmail @cardusca @OttawaCitizen Moreover, it would provide a structure in which diverse schools could arise that would be able to better meet the diverse needs of diverse children. See, for instance, the brilliant @Dyrnwyn of @FiftyCAN 7/ @cardusca #onpoli If this sounds socialist...
@stephenfgordon @RichardvReeves @tammyschirle @globeandmail @cardusca @OttawaCitizen @Dyrnwyn @FiftyCAN It's because it kind of is. Significant redistribution to wealth to the poorest & needful in a way that allows them to have the same choices that wealthy people already have. It is pure and simply re-distribution of the currently hoarded opportunity of the wealthy. 8/ @cardusca
@stephenfgordon @RichardvReeves @tammyschirle @globeandmail @cardusca @OttawaCitizen @Dyrnwyn @FiftyCAN But it's also an approach that allows for creative people and groups to build a diverse menu of education options that meet the unique needs of a vastly plural and diverse population of children with a wide range of needs. #onpoli @cardusca fin/
