Скачать или смотреть How Overemphasis on Education Broke America

David Brooks' article in The Atlantic, titled "How the Ivy League Broke America," argues that the current meritocratic system in the U.S. is flawed. He explains that the shift from a student body composed of WASP elites to one of cognitive elites has not produced better societal results. Brooks identifies six "sins" of meritocracy, including the overemphasis on intelligence and the creation of an American caste system. He suggests that the system has led to widespread distrust in institutions and a populist backlash.

Brooks traces the origins of the current meritocratic system to the 1950s, when Harvard's James B. Conant and others sought to overhaul entry into elite universities, shifting the focus from "bloodlines and breeding" to "brainpower." This led to the creation of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and other measures aimed at leveling the playing field. While these changes initially increased social mobility and diversified the student bodies of elite institutions, Brooks argues that they also created a highly competitive status race that has had negative consequences for K-12 education and society at large.

Chester E. Finn Jr.'s commentary on the Fordham Institute website, titled "David Brooks vs. Meritocracy," partially disagrees with Brooks. While Finn acknowledges the issues Brooks raises, he believes Brooks' analysis and proposed remedies are off-base and potentially harmful. Finn argues that the American education system has always offered various pathways for social mobility, and that the focus on testing and accountability has been essential for improving educational outcomes. He also contends that Brooks' proposed shift towards qualities like curiosity and social intelligence would lead to new problems and undermine academic rigor.

Finn points out that the American education system has long provided numerous opportunities for individuals to advance, despite barriers such as discrimination and inadequate schools. He argues that the emphasis on testing and accountability has been crucial for raising academic standards and closing achievement gaps. Finn also expresses concern that shifting the focus away from academic rigor to qualities like curiosity and social intelligence could lead to grade inflation and a reduction in educational standards.

In summary, while Brooks highlights the flaws and negative consequences of the current meritocratic system, Finn emphasizes the importance of maintaining academic rigor and accountability in education. Both authors agree on the need for reform but differ on the best approach to achieve it.