The Common Class

Few Americans would disagree that serious problems plague their country's education system. But what is the real reason for this serious malady? According to author and long-time teacher Rick Tobin, the usual suspects-beleaguered teachers, overcrowded classrooms, lack of funds, etc.-aren't to blame. Tobin believes that critics of the educational system have totally missed the point and that educational reform is aimed in the wrong direction. In his view, academic failure is the direct result of a loss of faith in American democracy. Current teaching objectives and the laws governing schools are failing to emphasize moral responsibility and personal accountability-fundamental aspects of the ethical framework that form the basis of American democracy and American education. These problems stem from what Tobin terms a prevailing "egoist" culture in America that largely ignores moral character building and downplays the need for individual accountability. He contends there are millions of Americans who fall within nine "classes" of people who are largely responsible for our educational mediocrity. Rick Tobin doesn't mince words in this candid expose, in which he also offers solutions for remedying our educational woes.

Rick Tobin is an elementary school teacher. He has taught for eighteen years. He lives in southern California.