"In short, there can be no improvement in academic standards, and accountability for these standards unless everyone knows the 'BIG PICTURE.'"
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The FEDS by John E. Soller & Harold G. Davies Trafford Publishing
book review by J. A. Garcia
The goal of the Functional Education Department System (FEDS) is to reevaluate learning goals in public schools from a business perspective. FEDS strives to incorporate concepts typically associated with manufacturing, such as quality control and value engineering, into public schools. The goal is to "empower the workforce" by imparting knowledge and abilities that translate into economically viable skills. Through this empowerment, the workforce can also develop "the means to improve their own education through home-study." Furthermore, this system aims to bring efficiency into the manner public education is delivered. Described as a "self-management activity guidebook," The FEDS is designed as a "training aid for business, industry, and educational professionals."
This guidebook opens with an outline describing the overall goals of this business-minded education paradigm. Early on, this system is defined as a clear method that organizations can follow in order to apply the FEDS fundamentals to education. While well-intentioned, however, the practical application of these reforms is not immediately apparent in this volume. The manual initially appears to be targeted toward educators, administrators, and employers. However, latter portions of this guidebook lapse into math lessons and conversion tables clearly aimed at students, yet the intended grade levels for these lessons are not defined. Likewise, other chapters include material not obviously relevant to education reformers and organizations. For instance, a diagram of a flashlight goes unexplained along with an illustration of fan blade components and an instructional worksheet detailing best practices for performing CPR. While these informational sheets may have some application to education and business professionals, the defining logic behind such inclusions in this guidebook is noticeably absent.