Karl Marx famously wrote in his Communist Manifesto in 1888:

But, you will say, we destroy the most hallowed of relations, when we replace home education by social.

But Horace Mann makes Marx look like a Johnny-come-lately by writing in 1841:

Let the common school be expanded to its capabilities, let it be worked with the efficiency of which it is susceptible, and nine-tenths of the crimes in the penal code would become obsolete; the long catalogue of human ills would be abridged

And let's not forget John Dewey who in 1907 wrote in his School and Society:

Whenever we have in mind the discussion of a new movement in education, it is especially necessary to take the broader, or social view.

Today, I read a short stinging rebuttal in a Slashdot comment:

the modern education is supposed to make kids fit better into society, so how come they are bigger misfits then any generation before them?

Socialization isn't supposed to make them fit better into society, it is the re-molding of society, the creation of "soviet man", the ideal cog in the machine or worker bee through school behavioral training and indoctrination. And if a few savvy "special interests" can get characteristics they prefer molded in to promote their agenda, so much the better. It's only clueless people who think schools civilize children or teach them to interact better. The structure of school does the opposite. It creates herds,political hierarchies, fear, conformity, all of which is destructive to the individual, the stripping away of humanity and the reduction of humans to animals.

Misfits teaching misfits is what our retired fire chief (77yo) brother in law says. His example was guys who couldn't cut (pass) the mustard fighting fires are teaching new recrutes. Said they stand back and watch buildings burn down now ...

My husband taught upgrader (trades)courses, traveling to various locations across the country for 5 years. He was shocked to discover how many people can barely read and write let alone understand basic math.

The technical college he contracted with hire certified teachers to teach trades. Some certified tradespeople teach there but are paid less. Good tradespeople wouldn't teach because they can make better wages working in their field, that's why he quit. Again, the blind teaching the blind.

Our youngest (18yo dtr) landed an interesting job , walked in with her resume, was interviewed and hired on the spot. She was so excited when she told dad that evening, supprised she was hired so fast. He said that businesses are desperate for anyone that shows signs of having a "PULSE" these daze. LOL

Parents are spending less time with their kids, won't go there , may end up turning into more than a mini vent ;-)

The dumbing down process is boomeranging IMHO. (fish out of water)

"He said that businesses are desperate for anyone that shows signs of having a "PULSE" these daze. LOL"

I may have to try that. I'm becoming more and, more cynical about teaching each year. Of course, I live in a "hot" job state, so I wonder if the competition....wait, that would mean that I would have an advantage. I think?

After teaching all those years, I'm surprised you still have a pulse I couldn't take the heat/noise/chaos locked in a classroom 5 days a week, especially with the garbage teachers are expected to teach now~a~daze.