Everyone knows that there are vast differences in the quality of public education throughout the U.S. We usually discuss this by examining differences in a particular community. For example, we may compare inner-city Baltimore schools with those from wealthy neighboring suburbs. However, we also hear about regional differences which can typically be mapped to poverty levels. For example, the schools in some parts of New Orleans are widely known to be some of the worst in the nation, matching the area's dire poverty.

But poverty is only one factor associated with educational quality; culture can be important too. The recent decision by the Texas State Board of Education to adopt a social studies curriculum based on evangelical fundamentalist Christianity and right-wing revisionist history highlights the damage cultural factors can do to education.

Now there are reports that the state of California, understandably worried about the disproportionate impact Texas has on the textbook market, may take legislative action to protect the quality of education its children receive. This is a smart move on their part but one which raises some interesting questions about the future of education in America.

Imagine a scenario where California adopts such legislation and many other "blue states" follow their lead and enact similar measures. Meanwhile, many of the "red states" happily adopt the Texas standards while others consider even more significant departures from reality. In essence, we end up with an educational system that reflects the contemporary "culture wars" taking place around us.

To this observer, it seems as though it may be time to reconsider the practice of local control of curriculum standards. Do we not all have a vested interest in promoting quality education for the children of our country? Can we really sit idly by while Texas deprives their children of the opportunity to compete in the real world? How comfortable are we going to be when we discover that our doctor went to school in Texas?

The idea of public education reflecting the values of the local community begins to unravel when one ponders the possibility of the local community being deluded. This discussion is long overdue. It will not be easy, but it is one that must begin. In the meantime, please support the Texas Freedom Network.

H/T to Dispatches From the Culture Wars

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