What's New Archives Public education is the foundation upon which democracy rests. It is through equal access to quality learning experiences that all children have the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and habits of mind necessary to become contributing citizens of a democratic society, to be valued by and valuable to society. Education must be grounded in the values of democracy and indigenous human rights if students, as human beings, are to have equal and fair treatment, dignity, and equitable opportunities for learning. Our future as democratic citizens is inextricably connected with the opportunity to learn and to be educated.
Education is the basis upon which democracy is transmitted and strengthened.
The purpose of public education is to find a balance between personal autonomy and responsible citizenship. It should develop in young people the desire and ability to make choices that benefit both themselves and their community. I agree with Carl Glickman that education is public because of its public purpose, not because of its public funding. Democracy is participatory and community-oriented. It is my belief that if we work together as a community, utilizing our strengths and talents we can meet the many challenges facing us with fortitude, creativity, mutual respect, shared purpose and hopefulness.