School Hurts Kids
Why I think school should not be compulsory
“Schooling and education are not the same thing. They aren’t even distantly related.” -John Taylor Gatto
Compulsory schooling is the sacred cow of America (and many countries.) How could I possibly suggest it shouldn’t be a thing?
John Taylor Gatto, the former NY City Teacher of the Year, quit after 30 years declaring that “school hurts children.” I Quit — Education Revolution
Gatto understood something about humans with which I agree: Everyone is radically different, with different gifts, strengths, and bents. Everyone learns differently, is interested in different things, and needs a variety of atmospheres for growth.
Conformity doesn’t belong in the classroom
Schools are designed to conform. The classroom is geared for the “average” student when hardly such a thing exists. Its very concept attempts to squeeze an infinite number of human possibilities into a tiny framework, using shame as its tool.
As I’ve looked across the learning landscape both as a high school classroom teacher, then as a homeschooling mom, I know the damage schooling does to many children…
