An Ethan Allen Institute Commentary Riley's Class Size Nostrum U.S. Education Secretary Richard Riley came to Vermont on November 8, peddling what is probably the single worst idea for improving public education in America. Ironically, Riley delivered his prescription at a conference sponsored by an organization called the Foundation for Excellent Schools. It has three notable characteristics. Parents love it. Administrators love it.
Teachers love it.
The teachers union loves it. Poll respondents love it. With these credentials, the Clinton Administration obviously loves it, and even Congressional Republicans learned to love it once Clinton and Riley explained it to them, especially the part about the poll respondents. Obviously, one on one with Horace Mann promises more benefit than a seat in a classroom with 100 other kids. But that isn't the choice.