Your comment “ The free market will be no more successful than traditional public schools, and arguably considerably less so…” isn’t support by argument, only by assertion. I think that education of the public is best served by a both/and approach - public, charter, and private schools (yes, I know, “both” is the wrong word to describe three choices, but you know what I mean). Competition and choice are good.
A large part of the problem lies in the sports themselves. Football is the worst. Expensive, overly specialized so much that it is not fun to play positions on the line, dangerous and in the grip of a hero mentality. Contrast it with rugby which is mostly the opposite. It does not require expensive coaches or equipment, discourages direct head butting so is less dangerous and has a tradition of every kid plays on a team whatever their skill level.
Appreciate your perspective. I coach football and see many upsides to the sport. But it is dangerous and highly specialized. And it's not for everyone. But no sport is. Being involved with sports - whether it be football or rugby, softball or track, skateboarding or tennis - teaches critical lessons. My larger point is that to reach your potential requires support, coaching, and a commitment from the athlete to succeed. We need more of that in education.
Your comment “ The free market will be no more successful than traditional public schools, and arguably considerably less so…” isn’t support by argument, only by assertion. I think that education of the public is best served by a both/and approach - public, charter, and private schools (yes, I know, “both” is the wrong word to describe three choices, but you know what I mean). Competition and choice are good.
I could not disagree more.
A large part of the problem lies in the sports themselves. Football is the worst. Expensive, overly specialized so much that it is not fun to play positions on the line, dangerous and in the grip of a hero mentality. Contrast it with rugby which is mostly the opposite. It does not require expensive coaches or equipment, discourages direct head butting so is less dangerous and has a tradition of every kid plays on a team whatever their skill level.
Appreciate your perspective. I coach football and see many upsides to the sport. But it is dangerous and highly specialized. And it's not for everyone. But no sport is. Being involved with sports - whether it be football or rugby, softball or track, skateboarding or tennis - teaches critical lessons. My larger point is that to reach your potential requires support, coaching, and a commitment from the athlete to succeed. We need more of that in education.