Dumbing Us Down, by John Taylor Gatto

[Sarasvati]

Who else has read? AMAZING! Some of the stuff he has written has actually confronted me a bit, and forced me to reassess my beliefs: particularly the section on congregationalism. The section on less school, not more had me nodding in a frenzy. Great stuff and I love his guts in choosing to make those speeches when accepting the NY teacher of the year awards!

Excellent excellent book.

[Ceres]

I've been wanting to read this! Great to hear a review. Must get a copy.

[Sarasvati]

:lol not really intended as a review but... there is some repetition (because 2 chapters were two separate speeches so he overlaps a few of his arguments). Some areas I wanted more critical analysis (the above section on congregationalism) because I thought he oversimplified some of his arguments about regulation. However it's an interesting thought and it's definitely made me think (localisation versus globalisation, the role of communities and free will etc).

I was all wistful when he talked about his education growing up, I wish our children had the opportunity to free range in a small community rather than doing most of their learning at home with occasional special trips out.

[~*heket*~]

Sounds like a great read!