"Why Schools Can't Be Businesses"

Paper Summary:

The paper examines "The Blackboard and the Bottom Line: Why Schools Can't Be Businesses" where author Larry Cuban stresses the need for a return to an ethical, rather than an economic, paradigm when examining the needs of school systems. The paper explains Cuban's negative views on standardized testing like 'No Child Left Behind' and on the use of 'voucher' systems and merit pay. The paper further explains Cubans' assertion that businesses are based upon standardization, and adhering to regimented procedures, but in schools we must address the unique needs of students. The paper emphasizes Cuban's plea to enact sweeping concrete and conceptual changes in how we view schooling.

From the Paper:

"American democracy is founded upon the principle that an educated citizen is required to make the institutions of government truly functional. It is also assumed that commerce functions better with an educated workforce. To guarantee that all individuals, regardless of their background, have access to schooling, America has long had a strong commitment to making equal and fair access to public education possible for all its citizens. However, as with so many aspects of American public life, perhaps because educating the workforce to make America 'competitive' is used as a justification for expenditures on education, business has had a disproportionate influence upon school policy, ever since the 19th century."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cuban, Larry. (2004). The Blackboard and the Bottom Line: Why Schools Can't Be Businesses. Cambridge, Massachusetts and London: Harvard University Press.

More papers on "Why Schools Can't Be Businesses":

• Book Review # 134776 : "On "Why We Can't Wait"
• Book Review # 70604 : "Why We Can't Wait"
• Book Review # 73446 : "Why We Can't Wait"

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