The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible - Bastiat Institute

From each according
to ability; to each
according to need.
Karl Marx
It’s time to admit
that public education
operates like a
planned economy, a
bureaucratic system
in which everybody’s
role is spelled out
in advance and there
are few incentives for
innovation and
productivity. It’s no
surprise that our
school system doesn’t
improve: It more
resembles the
communist economy
than our own market
economy.
Albert Shanker,
President of the
American Federation
of Teachers
Chapter 27 • According to Need
Brainstorming
• Would students’ performance change if
bad scores were given high grades and vice
versa?
• Can economic systems operate like this?
• Is a teacher the best model for students to
imitate as they grow up?
• Should all citizens be forced to pay the
salaries of teachers?
• Do schools contradict life in the real world?
• Would teachers accept the incentives offered
to students?
• What happens when the most needy are
given the most rewards?
• What ethical issues are raised in this
chapter?
Commentary
Why are people invited to speak at graduation
ceremonies? Sometimes these guests are
very accomplished individuals, models of
achievement in business, the arts, sports, or
science. But frequently politicians are invited to
address ceremonies. This is an odd choice since
surveys of public opinion frequently indicate a
very low respect for the honesty and integrity
of politicians. Yet, politicians are also much
admired for their celebrity status and for their
ability to provide tax funds or political favours
for educational institutions.
Politicians are models of contradiction
because their words so often confl ict with
their actions or with the system they represent.
Politicians say that they are preparing young
people for democracy, yet this is in sharp
contrast to the authoritarian environment of the
classroom. They say that education is preparing
young people for life in a society dedicated to
freedom and independence of thought. Yet the
funding and attendance are both compulsory.
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