Is Ron De Santis right about 'classical education'?
Jan 10, 2025
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Freddy Gray hosts Amy Wax, a tenured law professor known for her provocative views on education. They dive into Ron DeSantis's push for 'classical education' in Florida, debating whether it's a conservative agenda or a necessary reform. Wax critiques 'woke' ideology in schools and pushes for traditional teaching techniques. They also discuss the role of federal funding in higher education and the need to reclaim civic education without ideological bias, advocating for a balanced approach to curricula.
Ron DeSantis' classical education initiative in Florida aims to refocus K-12 education on traditional subjects and reduce ideological influence.
The podcast highlights the challenges and need for reform in higher education to address leftist ideologies and promote diverse viewpoints.
Deep dives
Education Reform in K-12
Ron DeSantis' classical education program in Florida emphasizes a significant shift in K-12 education. The program aims to reduce the ideological influence on young students, with a focus on limiting exposure to controversial topics like sex education and radical political ideologies. Instead, it promotes a return to traditional education methods, emphasizing the importance of core subjects and parental authority in determining appropriate content for children. This reform is viewed positively by some, highlighting the need for schools to transmit knowledge that prepares students for citizenship and participation in a democracy.
Higher Education Challenges
The conversation on higher education flags the complexities of reforming universities, where first amendment rights and academic freedom create challenges. There is a concern that universities have been overtaken by leftist ideologies that limit exposure to diverse perspectives, particularly in the realm of political thought. To address this, some suggest leveraging federal funding to influence institutional policies and practices, especially regarding diversity and inclusion initiatives that may be seen as discriminatory. Reforming higher education may require a dual approach of external pressure and internal change from within university structures.
Decentralization in Education
The decentralized nature of the American education system allows for significant local control, which presents both opportunities and challenges for reform efforts. This system enables conservative initiatives, like DeSantis' program, to gain traction at state and local levels, reflecting community values and priorities. However, achieving widespread reform can be slow and labor-intensive due to varying ideologies held by school boards across districts. Ultimately, active participation in local educational governance is deemed essential for those seeking to influence change in line with conservative educational philosophies.
** Americano is nominated in the Political Podcast Awards 2025. Vote for it to win the People's Choice category here **
Freddy Gray is joined by Amy Wax who is a professor at Penn University to discuss education in America. Recently the Florida Governor Ron De Santis has been embracing a return to ‘classical education' which emphasises liberal arts and western teachings. Amy Wax speaks to Freddy about how education in America has been taken over by ‘woke’ ideologies, what simple teaching techniques should be retuned to the classroom, and whether there is any need for the Department of Education.
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