The Costs of Compulsory Education
Aaron Smith at The Ludwig von Mises Institute - compulsory education doesn't work. No amount of "reform" will fix it. It must be eliminated, and replaced by free market education.
As with any market, nobody can say with certainty what would come into existence when brilliant minds are permitted to innovate freely. However, one thing is certain: failed plans will only beget ever-grander failed plans. As Americans we cheered the collapse of the Soviet system of government that brought about food shortages and an economic ice age. It's time to realize that compulsory education is having a similar effect on the minds of our youth. The best plan for education reform is no plan at all: allow parents, educators, and entrepreneurs to do what they do best. The last things kids need are new curriculum standards and more testing requirements.