Conclusion
I presented my conclusion on the web site's
opening page as a Philosophy of Education
Thumbnail, which I repeat here for your
convenience.
My Philosophy of Education is a clone of Diane
Ravitch's.
Fifteen years ago, while taking education
classes, I read an article or two of hers. I
was impressed by her direct, straightforward,
clear thinking and, from those articles,
remembered her name above all others.
About a month ago, in response to various
questions from educators, such as, "What's your
philosophy of education?", I embarked upon a web
site project to answer them.
I began the project in a manner that would
please Rousseau, Dewey, Piaget and the
American progressives and constructionists of the
20th century, constructing my own knowledge
through my own discoveries.
My project was "inner-directed". I did not
look for "right answers" from outside sources.
I looked to myself for the answers. I sat at the
keyboard and asked myself, "What IS my philosophy
of education?" "What on earth should one discuss
to answer such a question?"
The result of several weeks work is attached
to this thumbnail. I consider it to be a work
in progress, the first draft beginning what may
become an M.A. or Ph.D. thesis (which may serve
to answer your questions about my professional
development goals).
After a few weeks of this inner-directed work,
questions arose in my mind and I knew I needed
an expert's briefing.
About a year ago or so I read a book review
about Diane Ravitch's most recent book. A great
review about a great book, I thought. So, a couple
of weeks ago, I took my Christmas present, a $20
gift certificate, to Border's and bought her
recent book, "Left Back, A Century of Battles Over
School Reform". She did not let me down.
Diane Ravitch is professional, well-informed,
insightful, practices common sense, and thinks
well with careful evaluation when she writes.
I skimmed it and focused on the last chapter,
"In Search of Standards", and the "Conclusion."
If you want to know what kinds of thoughts
I think about education, read those chapters
and you'll know.
And, if you want to know about the philosophy
of education I constructed, and more, please
explore the pages of my web site in depth.
I would love to hear your comments whether
about typographical or linkage errors or
anything else you would like to say. Thanks!
davidscully@hotmail.com