Musk’s educational proposal raises questions about the lack of subjects and admission criteria.
Elon Musk is planning to invest in education. According to tax records, the billionaire has plans to finance primary and secondary schools and a university in Austin with US$100 million.
The primary and secondary schools that will receive Musk’s investments will be focused on STEM, which means science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Initially, these private institutions will enroll 50 students, admitted based on merit, with plans to expand over time. School activities will be maintained by donations and enrollment fees.
“The school is being designed to meet the educational needs of those with demonstrated academic and scientific potential, who will thrive in a rigorous, project-based curriculum. After a careful evaluation, the school will select candidates who demonstrate curiosity and academic discipline, independence and innovation, the records say.
In addition to these investments, the CEO of technology companies such asTesla eSpaceX plans to launch its own university also in Austin, Texas.
At the university, as well as in schools, STEM disciplines will be worked on, in addition to embracing practical activities, simulations, manufacturing and design projects and other scientific fields. The project is currently in the development phase and is looking for an executive director, as well as teachers and administrators with experience in the area.
Despite this, it is not the first time that Musk has ventured into creating his own educational center. Nine years ago, he opened an exclusive school on the SpaceX campus for his children and other young people. The focus on technology and science was so great that content involving sports, music and languages were left aside.
“I just didn’t see regular schools doing the things I thought they should be doing. So I thought, well, let’s see what we can do. Maybe creating a school would be better, the billionaire told a Chinese TV station at the time.
How good is this?
The surprising news also raises a series of concerns about Musk’s interests. Considering his history in the educational field, doubts arise about how (and if) other important disciplines for the rational and physical development of children and young people would be approached, such as the reflective capacity offered by Philosophy and Sociology, the encouragement of sport, the knowledge and command of the language (or languages), the historical-geographical contextualization of the country and the world, among other relevant topics that cannot be left aside as the billionaire once did.
Investments in exact sciences and technology are important, but valuing this field of knowledge to the detriment of human sciences and languages can become detrimental to education, considering that the billionaire’s decisions directly impact and inspire several people, companies and institutions.
Another point to be highlighted is the issue of merit. As it is an assessment method that is more subjective than concrete, it is not clear which exact student profile will match the interests of the management of educational institutions.
Even though this is a risky direction for education, it is worth highlighting the importance of investing in knowledge. Therefore, the initiative, despite creating doubts as it is at an early stage of development, opens doors to an interesting future for American technological production.
*Supervised by Jssica Bitencourt
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