What this book is about
The information in this book came from John Taylor Gatto’s insider view as a school teacher for many years. Named the New York State teacher of the year for several years, he realized that the school systems were not healthy for children. He had the courage to say so and is making a difference. This book is a compilation of several of his lectures including the seven lessons learned in school, one of which is learning not to trust your own internal sense of accomplishment (what an awful thing to teach someone). The current school systems were set up to make good factory workers. You probably remember, “Sit down and shut up”. I want more than that for my children.
Homeschooling and unschooling
Gatto is a proponent of homeschooling. With all his expertise, experience and insight he has found that homeschooling is the best option for all children. You can search for homeschooling online. You can even get homeschooling materials, curriculum and support for Waldorf homeschooling, religious-based homeschooling and many other methodologies. There are homeschooling support groups where the children participate in extracurricular activities with other homeschoolers. Rarely have I seen children as happy as most homeschooled children. In our area we have a school that is supplemental to homeschooling, where they “create an environment for life-long learning”, offering classes in art, dance, theater, sports, math, science, farm, kinesthetics, cooking, foreign cultures, and much more. It’s called Open Connections and the children I see there have the biggest smiles that go all the way to their eyes. If it feels right to you there are many resources and support to help you make it happen. And hey, you’ll save hundreds of thousands of dollars on private school. You’ll also have a closer bond with your children.
Waldorf Schools
When asked about Waldorf education John Gatto says that it’s better than public school but it’s still not as good as homeschooling.
Alternative Schools
Still a school but there are many alternatives to public school and conventional education. You can search for them in your area, visit them, talk to the high school students and alumni and see how happy and successful they are. Find out which colleges graduates went to (if that’s important to you) and what the colleges and universities think of graduates from those schools. The colleges and universities love the Waldorf graduates because they love to learn and are well-balanced, in addition to other desirable qualities.
History of education
On John Gattos’s website I found it interesting to go through the pages he has about the history of education in the United States. He actually wrote another book, The Underground History of American Education which you might also find interesting. I’ll let you know what I think when I read it.
Conclusions
You owe it to yourself and your children to read this book. There are alternatives to compulsory schooling, depending on how far you want to go, and you can find them.
View book details at Amazon: Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling