Declaring War Against Schooling documents 100 years of educational wars between Visionary learning leaders and Traditional school people. Ironically, to win the existing war, both opposing groups must unify to overthrow the control of education by politicians. The script cites the eras when education was in the hands of flexible educators with support, not opposition, from many politicians. President Lyndon Johnson called for “Tomorrow’s Schools”—a vision not yet achieved. The Reagan, Clinton, Bush, and Obama administrations transformed education into politics. Traditionalists submitted to one-size-fits-all mandates. Visionaries failed to unify to prevent unjust political requirements. Research is presented which validates the flaws in current school and college rituals. Outlined are venues to overcome political control, offer educational alternatives, and create voluntary personalized choices for all learners. Declaring War Against Schooling calls for ACTION NOW by visionary critics, educators, parents, and students. The goal is optional learning paths, not mandated schooling systems.
