A Manifesto

“Democracy cannot flourish where the chief influences in selecting subject matter of instruction are utilitarian ends narrowly conceived for the masses, and, for the higher education of the few, the traditions of a specialized cultivated class. The notion that the "essentials" of elementary education are the three R's mechanically treated, is based upon ignorance of the essentials needed for realization of democratic ideals.”
John Dewey

Check out Seth Godin's manifesto about schools:
http://www.sethgodin.com/sg/docs/stopstealingdreamsscreen.pdf