Dr Eric D. Hirsch, Jr
Examining schooling in the USA, this book traces the philosophies and practices that have dominated American education. It attempts to show how so-called ‘failed progressive theories’ became central to the American education system, despite claims by Hirsch that they were discredited by mainstream research. The author claims the ‘anti-knowledge and anti-subject-matter’ biases of education policy in the US had a disproportionately disastrous impact on children from poor backgrounds.
Hirsch argues that those concerned with education’s role in social equality must oppose progressive educational ideas, which "have led to practical failure and greater social inequality," and embrace "conservative educational policies," which he argues are proven to be the only practical way to achieve social justice.
Hirsch had a profound influence on education reforms in the US and has also influenced thinking in UK schools, particularly academies' and independent state schools’ ability to opt out of the national curriculum.
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