Diversity, Democracy and Ethics, EDUS202

Jefferson was very interested in creating a meritocracy (leaders chosen for their talent, virtue, ability, etc.). Discuss the idea of meritocracy, either in Jefferson's time or how it seems to play out today. Some possible questions: Do we live in a meritocracy? Did Jefferson's ideas have potential to move us toward a meritocracy? What problems are there with the idea of meritocracy (in his time and/or ours)?

What do you make of Ayers' way of talking about teaching? Did he bring up any new/different ways of understanding the enterprise? Any other thoughts?

Did Labaree leave any purposes out? What do you make of his conclusion--is there any hope to push back against the predominant notion of education as a private good? Any other thoughts on this reading?