WHEN THE RACE TO THE TOP BECOMES WINNER-TAKE-ALL.

The article discusses the increasing competition in public education, particularly in affluent communities like Newton, Massachusetts, where parents are willing to do whatever it takes to secure an advantage for their children in college admissions. The push for higher education for all has led to an erosion of the value of a college diploma and an emphasis on where one goes to college. This high-stakes race for elite credentials has exacerbated inequality and undermined the idea of K-12 education as a shared responsibility. The article also examines the privatization of education in Arizona through school voucher programs, which has led to budget concerns and a shift away from viewing education as a public good. The consumer mentality in education has also influenced debates over curriculum and further splintered education along political lines. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of preserving public education as a collective endeavor. [Extracted from the article]

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