Sadly, he is suggesting a fix for an institution that is immune to fixes: the public schools, where most of the nation's children are forced to serve the twelve-year sentence.
As smart as Newt is, he really should learn a little more about the subject before he embarrasses himself. It makes me wonder whether we're looking to find a president or a national superintendent of schools when these candidates spend time talking about schools -- a concern traditionally managed at the local level. (Why is there still a cabinet-level agency after 40 years of failure? Can Newt explain that?)
Suggested reading and viewing: anything by John Taylor Gatto.
The Ed. Dept. has only been around 32 years -- 32 years too long.
I think you’re looking WAY too much into that, especially since Newt has stated his “ideal” solution would basically be for everyone to be on vouchers and choose any school they want.
He was just throwing an idea out there, this is what he does.
John Taylor Gatto’s writings are a great recommendation!
Not only is Newt clueless but look at that comments to the thread.
Fundamentally! Government k-12 schooling is a single payer, compulsory, socialist entitlement! Government schools **are** the very definition of socialism!
Fundamentally! Socialism and socialist programs can not be fixed. They must be abolished.
What makes me most discouraged are the comments to this thread. These guys and gals think of themselves as conservatives.