Social Darwinism Resurrected for the New Gilded Age
Over at the Bridging Differences blog, a fascinating dialogue is occurring, where Michael Petrilli has been laying out the philosophical arguments for a two tier educational system. I appreciate Mr. Petrilli, because while some reformers hide their intentions behind mushy rhetoric, he has laid out his argument plainly, where it can be debated.
His latest attempts are to be found in his recent post, The Especially Deserving Poor.
Here he builds on a theme he sounded last January, when he wrote in defense of high expulsion rates for DC charter schools, suggesting that these schools were "serving the strivers," and thus should be allowed to cast off the less motivated or compliant students. He wrote:
In my view, we should admit--even celebrate--this phenomenon and be proud of the charter schools that are identifying and serving high-potential low-income students--kids who are committed to using education to escape poverty and are often supported in that effort by supportive parents.
I wrote then that this was essentially advocating for a two-tier educational system, one that leaves behind the English learners, the disabled, and those most affected by poverty.
Mr. Petrilli now is extending this theme, with his construct of the "especially deserving poor."
He begins by denying the reality so many of us see before us, and which is supported by