Does Kakonomics Theory help Explain Mediocrity in Public Schools?

Lower expectations, less work may be explained by
"kakonomics theory."

When school systems cannot or will not address issues that are clearly known to interfere with education, then apathy and mediocrity result. Examples of issues that educators and legislators know well include:

• Overcrowded classes
• Dilapidated schools
• Disruptive students
• Poverty
• Lack of support personnel
• Over-worked teachers
• Poorly qualified teachers

The list could be expanded, but the aforementioned make the point. Sadly, some schools have all of the issues listed above — and more. When barriers are allowed to exist, then morale suffers. Teachers are unable to offer quality instruction because of constant distraction and they do the best they can. Unfortunately, “the best” is compromised, and students reciprocate by delivering learning of lower quality, which teachers accept without complaint.

There is even a name for the process described above — kakonomics theory, or the mutual acceptance of a low quality product that satisfies the participants in the exchange because the product is validated as high quality by all parties. Stress is diminished and everyone feels OK.

Teachers’ meetings tend center around the dispersal of information from inane to imperative. Bad news and good news are on the agenda, but bad news dealing with low student performance can be made acceptable by finding appropriate places to place blame. Everyone feels better and the meeting ends with accepting the issue of student performance as the best possible result.

There may be a number of “elephants in the room” which conveniently maintain their invisibility. For example, if one elephant might be poor leadership from a incompetent, but lax principal no none is likely to speak up and say, ”We could do much better if we had a new principal!” To do so would violate the implied agreement to accept lower standards creating stress and uncertainty. Kakonomics!

The acceptance of lower expectations will obviously be detrimental to the institution and its students, but it allows individuals disperse the angst of being overwhelmed.