Recently, I encountered a 2015 article/blog entitled “7 Things our Founders Believed about Education”. The author, David Akadjian, builds his list using various quotes – primarily (though not entirely) from Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin.
A brief diversion. Invoking the opinions of even some of ‘the founding fathers’ should probably be an exercise in caution. It’s being done so much these days, and in such a haphazard fashion, that it’s hard to know what’s ‘spin’ and what’s productive insight.
On the one hand, hearing and reading actual quotes of some of our founders can be instructive. Voices separated from us by almost 250 years can provide perspective and insight into bigger picture intentions. On the other hand, times DO change, and it’s wise to ask how original intentions fit into our society over two centuries later. (One only need witness the ongoing debate on the 2nd amendment to see this in action.)
With those perspective reminders, we return to the article. Using several direct quotes taken from correspondence, speeches, and writings,* the author makes a case for 7 core beliefs about education shared by our founding fathers in our early days as a country: 1) Education is critical for democracy and 2) for avoiding an “aristocracy of wealth.” 3) It (education) should be available to all, 4) should be free from religion and ideology, 5) should be equal for all citizens, and 6) should be public. Finally, they believed 7) that the investment is worth the cost.
I guess I would say that I still basically believe the spirit of all seven of those points to be important cornerstones, or at least good starting points for reminder and discussion. But my own belief is not so much the point.
The point is ‘what do we still believe?’, both individually, and as a society. Have times changed some of our beliefs? Has it changed some of our actions? Amid the current political upheaval and apparent attacks on some of these principles from positions of authority (including, perhaps ironically, the Secretary of Education), what do we still think is important? What do ‘we the people’ believe in enough to be moved to discussion and/or action?
Do we still believe, for example, that a good public education is worth the investment (Item 7) and are we willing to match that believe with action? Do we still believe in avoiding an “aristocracy of wealth” (Item 2) and if so, are we succeeding? Do our beliefs match the current political realities, and if not, what are we willing to do about it?
All seven points raise interesting questions. All seven could, maybe even should, produce disagreements of various sizes. All seven might require an agreement on terms to reach productive consensus. (Item #4 alone – free from religion and ideology – could be a powder keg, if not handled delicately and maturely!)
But, perhaps the point is that ALL SEVEN principles – or similar ones – should be constantly and calmly discussed. Amid all our constant and conscientious planning for the immediate future, we should know what we feel about these overriding principles and let our broad beliefs guide us into the future. We owe it to our future citizens and we owe it to our founding fathers.