It began as such a noble venture.  What once was reserved as a privilege for the wealthy elite became the province of the common man.  Never in recorded history had a country made a commitment such as this to its entire population.  This noble venture soon became the foundation upon which America built a nation of unparalleled wealth and strength. And America called this venture - public education.

 

It began in small single room school houses where, if you were smart, you could get a sixth grade education in third grade – because sixth grade was being taught just a couple aisles over.  And to be sure that everyone would be able to receive an education we made attending school mandatory and the cost free.

 

And now the very thing that made America so unique and so strong has become a source of constant criticism from parents, politicians and pundits alike.