Re: KIPP. Brown

[Peter Campbell <campbellp@mail.montclair.edu>]

On Jan 5, 2007, at 10:53 AM, Peter Campbell wrote:
> For me, one vision worth fighting for is one where public schools foreground the democratic commons, i.e., bring children and parents of different races, classes, and beliefs together to facilitate dialogue and inquiry among them. In the simplest terms, it's better that we know about each other, that we interact with each other, if only to increase the likelihood that we can undermine (or at least weaken) the crippling stereotypes that cause us to hold each other in suspicion or contempt. If we make no such attempt, we increase the likelihood that these stereotypes and misunderstandings will continue, will worsen with time, and will eventually destroy us.

One more thought on this: I'm clear that the above vision is grossly impractical, slightly misty-eyed, and kumbaiyah'ish. But it's a vision, not a policy plan. Policies need to follow a vision. The bigger -- i.e., more impractical -- the vision, the better the policy. The vision is meant to inspire us to do great things.

If KIPP is the vision, then God help us all.

Peter C.