"Against School"

This was a very interesting read, one that quoted many famous historical figures and provided a whole bunch of proof. After reading this I realize even more what the task at hand is with our 3rd paper. When Gatto starts to explain either a support or a contradictory part of his research he uses other works to back himself up. The idea of boredom at school and the remedy that children must carry that life within themselves seems very true to me. I grew up on a dirt road, away from my friends, and no kids around to play with. I was never bored. I feel like I was introduced to many many things by just being outside, writing poetry, playing make believe and learning through curiosity and self entertainment. John Gatto gave so many specifics to why school is viewed the way that it is. I agree with the initial goals introduced, 1.to make good people 2. to make good citizens and 3. to make each person his or her own personal best. But are these things we see as a constant guide to teaching? Not exactly. With the introduction of the easy entertainment and consumerism in this paper those core goals are overlooked a bit. We will not inspire good people, or citizenship or our best possible achievements with instant gratification. There is a large part of independent research and self enrichment that is lost within the world of computers, online shopping, google research, and television. Gattos comparison with Ben Franklin whom we read about previously proves the difference in today's learning standards and those standards that were undefined in Ben Franklin's time. I got a many good ideas from this paper to further research and use towards building my 3rd paper.