Matt Damon criticizes Obama's education policy on CNN
By Jessica GentileMarch 3rd, 2011, 8:30 amComments (11)
Who better to critique our nation's education policies than Matt Damon? After all, the man's a bona fide mathematical genius. Oh wait, that's me confusing movies and real life again, my bad. Well anyway, in an interview with Piers Morgan that's set to air tonight on CNN, Damon had quite a mouthful to say about the Obama administration's current policies. According to Damon,
"I really think he misinterpreted his mandate... He's doubled down on a lot of things, going back to education... the idea that we're testing kids and we're tying teachers salaries to how kids are performing on tests, that kind of mechanized thinking has nothing to do with higher order. We're training them, not teaching them."
You might previously remember Damon as an ardent Obama supporter. Back in 2008 he raised funds and campaigned at rallies for the then-candidate. I think he does a good job representing a lot of liberals' disillusionment with the president. But blame should probably be equally placed on the rest of the mostly-passive Democratic party. Then again, what has Damon done for our nation's children? Perhaps he should stop making movies and start legislating policy?
Commentarium (11 Comments)
Or, maybe he should try and get a job as a teacher and really do something for children.
The issue is systematic, not specific. Damon becoming a teacher will have no more effect on education in this country than you joining the Marines to shape US military policy.
Yes, then again, what has jessica gentile done for the democratic party? Perhaps she should stop writing and going to work and start planning her campaign to strengthen that "mostly-passive" democratic party. You can't criticize Damon for voicing his opinion about politics and then turn around and offer your opinion about politics, too. Being an actor does not invalidate his critique any more than being a writer for a sex-centered e-magazine invalidates yours. That's the very essence of our democracy.
Don't care who's saying it, it's absolutely true. Let's teach kids how to think for themselves, instead of what to think. Not all testing is bad, but public education has come to rely on it far too much.
I am not a fan of standardized testing, but some form of measurement needs to be in play, otherwise we end up with "Math makes Maeby feel : ( "
solid AD reference.
Matt Damon says it like it is. He's my new hero!!!!!
Matt Damon truly knows what's going on in education; he doesn't just watch documentaries like "Waiting for Superman" or watch Oprah & bash teachers. I really appreciate what he had to say! So glad that someone in the public eye finally gets it!
Matt Damon is right to criticize Obama. When the people who had supported Obama back in 2008 helped him to gain the presidency, they had expected a true progressive leader to kill off all the harm the neo-cons have inflicted onto our society in recent years. Instead, Obama is now a centre-right president who have compromised too many ideals he had while in the senate.
I see, I spopuse that would have to be the case.
Matt's just another champagne socialist who flies around in private jets and squanders tens of thousands on gambling while he tries to lecture the rest of us on the world's poor. Go away loser.
Now you say something