Education and the cult of Efficiency

Education and the Cult of Efficiency, by Raymond E. Callahan, is widely considered to be the most important and thorough examination of the history of the social efficiency movement in the fields of education and curriculum. The book, published in 1962 and dedicated to progressive educator George S. Counts, offers a classic critique of the scientific management approach to schooling. Although this approach achieved prominence during the first third of the 20th century, many suggest that it underpins the popular imaginary about and administration of schools today.

Callahan meticulously documents the early incursion of the principles of a business model into the organization of schools and the curriculum development process. Explained in the 10 chapters of the book are the principles and mechanisms of scientific management, ...