Neoliberal Education and the Redefinition of Democratic Practice in Chicago: A Critical Analysis of the Chicago Public Schools

Neoliberal Education and the Redefinition of Democratic Practice in Chicago (New Frontiers in Education, Culture, and Politics)

by Norm Foster

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	289 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	33 pages
Hardcover	:	178 pages
Item Weight	:	12 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.83 x 0.44 x 8.27 inches

FREE

The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) have been at the forefront of neoliberal education reform for over two decades. This reform agenda has been characterized by a focus on privatization, market competition, and accountability. Proponents of neoliberal education reform argue that these policies will improve student achievement and lead to a more efficient and effective education system. However, critics argue that neoliberal education reform has led to a decline in the quality of education for students, particularly for those from low-income and minority backgrounds. They also argue that neoliberal education reform has undermined democratic practice in Chicago by disempowering parents, teachers, and community members.

This book examines the impact of neoliberal policies on the CPS and argues that these policies have led to a redefinition of democratic practice in the city. The book draws on interviews with parents, teachers, and community members, as well as an analysis of policy documents and media coverage. The book finds that neoliberal education reform has led to a decline in the quality of education for students, particularly for those from low-income and minority backgrounds. The book also finds that neoliberal education reform has undermined democratic practice in Chicago by disempowering parents, teachers, and community members.

The Neoliberal Education Agenda

Neoliberalism is a political and economic ideology that emphasizes the role of the free market in society. Neoliberal policies are designed to reduce the role of the state and increase the role of the private sector. Neoliberal education reform is based on the belief that the free market can improve the quality of education and make it more efficient.

The neoliberal education agenda includes a number of key policies, such as:

* Privatization: The privatization of education involves the transfer of public schools to private ownership. Proponents of privatization argue that it will improve student achievement and lead to a more efficient and effective education system. However, critics argue that privatization will lead to a decline in the quality of education for students, particularly for those from low-income and minority backgrounds. * Market competition: Market competition in education involves the creation of a competitive market for educational services. Proponents of market competition argue that it will improve student achievement by giving parents more choice and by forcing schools to compete for students. However, critics argue that market competition will lead to a decline in the quality of education for students, particularly for those from low-income and minority backgrounds. * Accountability: Accountability in education involves the use of standardized testing to measure student achievement. Proponents of accountability argue that it will improve student achievement by giving schools an incentive to improve their performance. However, critics argue that accountability will lead to a narrowing of the curriculum and to a decline in the quality of education for students, particularly for those from low-income and minority backgrounds.

The Impact of Neoliberal Education Reform on the Chicago Public Schools

The CPS have been at the forefront of neoliberal education reform for over two decades. This reform agenda has had a significant impact on the city's schools, including:

* A decline in the quality of education for students: The CPS have seen a decline in student achievement on standardized tests in recent years. This decline is particularly pronounced for students from low-income and minority backgrounds. * A narrowing of the curriculum: The CPS have narrowed the curriculum in recent years to focus on standardized testing. This has led to a decline in the quality of education for students, particularly for those who are not interested in pursuing a college education. * A decline in the quality of teaching: The CPS have seen a decline in the quality of teaching in recent years. This is due in part to the fact that the district has made it more difficult for teachers to get tenure and has increased the use of standardized testing to evaluate teachers. * A decline in the morale of teachers: The morale of teachers in the CPS has declined in recent years. This is due in part to the fact that teachers feel that they are not respected by the district and that their voices are not being heard. * A decline in the involvement of parents and community members: The involvement of parents and community members in the CPS has declined in recent years. This is due in part to the fact that the district has made it more difficult for parents and community members to have a voice in the decision-making process.

The Redefinition of Democratic Practice in Chicago

Neoliberal education reform has led to a redefinition of democratic practice in Chicago. This redefinition has been characterized by a decline in the power of parents, teachers, and community members, and an increase in the power of the district administration and corporate interests.

The decline in the power of parents, teachers, and community members is due to a number of factors, including:

* The centralization of power in the district administration: The CPS has become increasingly centralized in recent years, with the district administration having more power over schools. This has led to a decline in the power of parents, teachers, and community members to make decisions about their schools. * The use of standardized testing to evaluate schools and teachers: The CPS has increasingly used standardized testing to evaluate schools and teachers. This has led to a narrowing of the curriculum and to a decline in the quality of education for students. It has also led to a decline in the morale of teachers and to a decrease in the involvement of parents and community members in the schools. * The increase in the power of corporate interests: The CPS has increasingly partnered with corporate interests in recent years. This has led to a decline in the quality of education for students and to a decrease in the power of parents, teachers, and community members.

The redefinition of democratic practice in Chicago has had a number of negative consequences for the city's schools, including:

* A decline in the quality of education for students: The decline in the power of parents, teachers, and community members has led to a decline in the quality of education for students. This is because these groups are less able to advocate for the needs of students and to hold the district administration accountable. * A decline in the morale of teachers: The decline in the power of teachers has led to a decline in the morale of teachers. This is because teachers feel that they are not respected by the district and that their voices are not being heard. * A decline in the involvement of parents and community members: The decline in the power of parents and community members has led to a decline in the involvement of these groups in the schools. This is because parents and community members feel that they do not have a voice in the decision-making process.

Neoliberal education reform has had a devastating impact on the Chicago Public Schools and on democratic practice in the city. This reform agenda has led to a decline in the quality of education for students, a decline in the morale of teachers, and a decline in the involvement of parents and community members. It has also led to a redefinition of democratic practice in Chicago, with a decline in the power of parents, teachers, and community members, and an increase in the power of the district administration and corporate interests.

It is time for a new direction for education in Chicago. This new direction must be based on the principles of democracy, equity, and social justice. It must involve the active participation of parents, teachers, and community members in the decision-making process. And it must prioritize the needs of students, particularly those from low-income and minority backgrounds.

Neoliberal Education and the Redefinition of Democratic Practice in Chicago (New Frontiers in Education, Culture, and Politics)

by Norm Foster

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	289 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	33 pages
Hardcover	:	178 pages
Item Weight	:	12 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.83 x 0.44 x 8.27 inches

FREE