A young child may be earmarked for special counseling because testing has determined that his social attitudes are not up to par. Psychological tests have classified him as needing corrective instruction, even though the validity of the tests has not always been thoroughly demonstrated.
This is one of several new procedures now being developed and implemented as educational tools for public school systems. Some of the new programs include a form of hypnotic suggestion—a technique referred to as "suggestology." Some attempt to modify behavior through a system of penalties and rewards. Others sometimes administer mood-altering drugs, intended to alter a child's disposition. The purpose of such programs is to redirect actions and attitudes.
Not long ago, however, U.S. News &; World Report pointed out that many parents, educators, and other groups were beginning to question the propriety and effectiveness of mental conditioning in school classrooms: "Parents complain that children found deficient through 'personality' tests of unproven merit sometimes are singled out for corrective action that should be the responsibility of the children's parents, not the school." " 'Mind Bending' in the Schools Stirs Growing Protests," U.S. News & World Report, July 4, 1977, p. 43;
