Vulnerability of Humankind

Abstract

Up until this point, much has been said about the lessons to be learned from Callahan's (1962) Education and the Cult of Efficiency. It has been suggested that there is a lot to be learned from that work and a lot yet to be learned. Further, it can be claimed that some of what was learned was a latent function (Merton, 1968) of what Callahan had intended. The general theme that has run throughout this issue is that Callahan was correct about the influence of business valuing in the American culture and its effect on public education. That influence has been considerable, and sometimes to the detriment of quality in education. Still there were other lessons learned that may have altered school administration in a mischievous manner. Prime among these is the pity the poor superintendent notion, growing out of the vulnerability thesis. It too often has prevented courageous action that might have proven successful in creating truly world class public education in