On Getting Serious About School: Can Poor Kids take the “Risk”?

ABSTRACT

Tomlinson reviews Beyer's critique of A Nation at Risk, the report of the National Commission on Excellence in Education. Tomlinson finds that Beyer's treatment of Risk wants a scholarly and open minded appraisal of the report's analysis, conclusions, and recommendations for reform. Tomlinson takes issue with Beyer's understanding of the report's language and intent, and with his grasp and interpretation of the events, dynamics and educational consequences of the past 25 years of American history. Tomlinson then argues the case of the reform platform offered by the Commission. He holds that it will accomplish through the production of knowledge and heightened intellectual competence what Beyer proposes to solve by further politicizing the schools and the education of the poor and minority children, that is, by jeopardizing further those persons most at risk for want of academic preparation.