There have been many negative developments in K-12 education in the last decade, such as widespread weak and dropping math and reading proficiency scores, and in far too many places, a drift toward ideological indoctrination. Taken together, they constitute by far the most significant setback for our children since I left as President Reagan’s Education Secretary 35 years ago.
That is not what this column is about.
Reagan was an eternal optimist. So am I – it is a wonderfully infectious thing. There is a pony somewhere in that pile, as my old boss used to say, and there is now too. In my mind, that pony – a reason for real optimism – is the resurgence of parent awareness and action and the very closely related phenomenon of the resurgence of classical, character, and virtues-based education.
Contrary to the current media fad-driven narrative, this is NOT a red versus blue or partisan tribes phenomenon. Parents across the nation and in every corner of Alabama have become more attuned to what is happening at their children’s schools. We all want schools that effectively teach kids fundamental academics and do so in a manner that reinforces almost universal basic core virtues: perseverance, courage, compassion, etc. I wrote the Book of Virtues over 30 years ago with its use in schools directly in mind.
Here in Alabama where options like this are springing up parents are busting down the doors to get in. Alabama’s recent expansions in educational freedom, like the CHOOSE Act and the ability of students to open enroll in school programs that fit them best, no matter where they live, will help spur more traditional and classical options.
While some people might ask why one would take on new projects at my age, this moment is too important – and frankly too exciting – to sit on the sidelines. Here is something else I know. While I may be older than most and have changed over the years, the ideas and virtues that classical, character, and honest historical education are based on have remained unchanged for centuries – and will remain unchanged for centuries more, or at least as long as we can preserve this last best hope of earth. (If you or your child do not know where that phrase comes from, shame on your school.)
So, I have accepted the role of Founding Provost of a series of new classical schools, including a newly launched school in Alabama. And I encourage everyone else – in retirement or not – to embrace this moment and movement and do what they can to advance it.
While the foundations of classical education are ancient, there actually are new and groundbreaking developments in the effort. Until now, a student’s participation in this traditional type of education required not only the desire and commitment it takes, but their family had to be fortunate enough to live close to a school committed to that approach (and mostly be from an affluent family that could afford to pay for it).
Alabama’s expansions in its various choice programs have gone a long way toward solving the economic barriers. But that is only one barrier. No matter how robust the state’s portfolio of educational options, there will always be many families that simply will not live close enough to a classical, traditional, and character-based school to make attendance practical.
Like all unsolvable problems, they remain unsolvable – until they are solved. Today, there is absolutely no reason every Alabama student cannot and should not have access to a school built around character, virtue, classical methods and curriculum, and full and honest teaching of history. Why? Because this type of education can be offered to all through online means via Alabama’s open enrollment law. Socratic dialogue can take place between teachers and students far removed physically from one another, yet as close in intellectual and moral pursuit as sitting together in a circle.
Yes, we are awash in horrible news about what has happened to the quality and character of our schools. However, for those who care to see, we are also awash in hope. If parents across the nation and in Alabama were shrugging and saying, “it is what it is,” then the time for despair would be here. If the state’s courageous elected officials weren’t pursuing real educational freedom for families and advancing a resurgence of basic concepts of character and virtue embedded into our education maybe we would need to accept decline as our destined path.
That is decidedly not the case. Alabama’s parents are demanding better – and acting to seize it wherever offered. Leaders are responding, as is the proper order of events in this great nation. So the real point is not only that there is hope – there is a pony – but you can be part of this great movement that quite literally could save this shining city on a hill.
Editor's Note: An image of the ribbon cutting at Ivy Classical Academy was previously displayed on this opinion piece. This was done so without any permission and approval from Ivy Classical Academy or its board. Furthermore, Ivy Classical Academy, and its board do not endorse in any manner, the Alabama Virtual Classical Academy, or Accel Schools. We apologize for any misperception the use of this image may have caused.
Dr. William J. Bennett is the former U.S. Secretary of Education and now serves as Chairman of Resilience Learning and Founding Provost of a series of classical charter schools across the nation, including the Alabama Virtual Classical Academy at Sylacauga.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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