My hubby and I are watching the series “Kyle XY” from the beginning. If you’re not familiar with the concept, a boy is found who remembers nothing and knows nothing about the world. He’s like a newborn 16 year old. At one point, he goes to the local high school to register (because, that’s what’s “done”), and has to take a bunch of aptitude tests to find out his grade level. He is frustrated with many of the tests because they are on history and social studies, things he has no knowledge of. The narration contains an excellent commentary on our school system in one question: Isn’t school about asking questions, not answering them?
Needless to say, I immediately elbowed my husband. Kyle, this voice of an outsider to our culture, completely gets the entire problem with our educational system. And no one will ever notice. Yes, school SHOULD be a place to ask questions, not a place where you are expected to answer them.
30/01/2010 at 10:22 am Permalink
Hi Cassi! My husband (Ben) told me about your blog. I think he told me your guys went to school together or something?
I’m loving all your posts, and since we’ve considered unschooling, you’ve inspired me to buy some books on the topic. I saw your book recommendations, but I want to start out with only a few so I don’t get overwhelmed. Are there 2 or 3 books that you would say are the best ones to start with? I’ve already decided to get Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto and The Unprocessed Child by Valerie Fitzenreiter.
I would appreciate any specific recommendations you may have for us. Thank you!
05/02/2010 at 1:24 pm Permalink
Hi, Laura. As you may have seen by now, I answered you in an email. For others wondering about this, I recommended John Holt (of course), A.S. Neill, and Sandra Dodd. Also, Life Learning Magazine may have come up a time or two.