Charter schools, voucher systems, home schooling and distance learning are all symptomatic of this conflict. So is the thinly veiled belief on the part of America's business and military establishments that they can educate more effectively than the public schools. Politicians, such as Governor Jeb Bush of Florida, are heeding their demands. A coalition of opposing groups is planning court action to overturn the new law. Both the voucher plan and the countering lawsuit miss the point.
Public education is one of the last elements of American society that truly remains open to all.
Its legitimacy is a key question that demands serious attention on a continuous basis, not just at moments of crisis such as the recent tragedy in Littleton, Colorado. This erosion of public education's legitimacy is not entirely logical. Historically, family and community problems have been separate from public education's accountability. Another myth is the lack of, or misuse of resources. Yet, according to a US government report, while Canada and France spent a larger percentage of their GDP on primary and secondary education, of the G-7 countries, only Canada spent a larger proportion than the US for higher education and all levels of education combined.