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Here's afascinatingchart from the Pew Research Center that sheds some light on why education policy can be such a polarizing topic. Liberals and conservatives prioritize very different values when it comes to educating their kids: Liberals are much more likely to preach the value of tolerance, while conservatives emphasize religious faith.

Among all political types, liberals stand out for theirgeneral indifference toward teaching obedience. On the other hand, they place a higher value on curiosity, creativity and empathy, as the chart below shows.

The differences underscore why the public school system in the United States, which for reasons of pure practicality requires something of a one-size-fits-all approach, is such a lightningrodfor disagreement and controversy. Conservatives and liberals expect - and often demand - very different things from their childrens' schools.

That said, there is one thing conservative and liberal parents agree on, according to Pew: "Among the public generally, responsibility is viewed most widely as important to teach children: 93% say teaching children to be responsible is 'especially important' and 55% rate this as among the most important the highest of any of the traits and qualities tested."

Christopher Ingraham is a data journalist focusing primarily on issues of politics, policy and economics. He previously worked at the Brookings Institution and the Pew Research Center.

Originally posted here:
Wonkblog: How liberals and conservatives raise their kids differently