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caffeine_books's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.0
"Education and schooling, as we all have experienced, are mutually exclusive terms." This book was written by a teacher who was in the school system for 30+ years and saw the damage done to the students. School is a factory that sets kids up to follow orders and not to think. Children are not being educated, the author argues that federally run education will never work and that education needs to be left to the individual state and family.
deedoo's review
3.0
I agree with what he is saying for the most part, but the way he went about this book is...intense. This is one long crazy rant. It's a sweeping generalization of "everyone." Trying his other book for some facts to back up his statements.
samhelms28's review
4.0
I don’t agree with all his points but very thoughtful examination of compulsory schooling
aclocurto's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
Fantastic relay of the truth of our compulsory schooling system, and hope for the future.
apochemu's review against another edition
4.0
If you want to know a lot of reasons (but not all) why I want to homeschool my kids, then read at least the first chapter of this book. I agree with a lot of what he has to say about the public education system; however, take it with a grain of salt cuz he is a bit overly negative and does over generalize here and there. Overall, his ideas are definitely worth considering. I don't think we could ever reform modern day schooling to be more of a complete education; therefore, I'm homeschooling because that best fits me and my family. But I know that most parents out there are doing their best to raise their children in a responsible and loving way, and that's what matters. It's just too bad what path the world is going down.
esidden's review against another edition
3.0
It points out all the flaws with the American School System, but while reading it, I didn't see any solutions given for such flaws.
elizaed's review
3.0
An often fascinating and disturbing assessment of American public education by a former NYC teacher of the year. I couldn't rate it higher because the writing is often clunky and unconvincing (probably in part because at least some of it was taken from speeches). The book is also twenty years old and therefore lacks discussion of the impact of the internet on American childhood and education, which is a key missing piece IMO. I also didn't agree with some of Gotts key points. However, the stronger parts of the book really made me consider our educational system in a way I hadn't before. And that made it worth the read.
amibunk's review
2.0
I found this less of a book and more of a diatribe. The author is constantly makes sweeping and broad negative statements concerning today's child, television, families, occupations, the government, and urbanization. While I agree that many schools are not doing a good job "educating" children today I disagree with his reasoning WHY. Gatto claims that compulsory schooling is a government ploy to create conformist citizens. I find this slightly ridiculous, if for no other reason than when has the government actually accomplished its exact missives?
The author and I disagree on many other items as well. He claims that compulsory schooling is breaking apart families; that without the burden of an eight hour a day education, families would naturally improve in quality. I disagree. I believe that the break-down in families and family time has created a "need" (especially in inner NYC schools from which his experience results)for additional schooling and homework. Since so many Americans are shirking their responsibilities (in my opinion)the government is attempting to take over those responsibilities. Which of course is not working.
If you are looking for a book that deals with public schooling's inadequacies I think "A Mind At A Time," by Mel Levine is much more worthwhile.
The author and I disagree on many other items as well. He claims that compulsory schooling is breaking apart families; that without the burden of an eight hour a day education, families would naturally improve in quality. I disagree. I believe that the break-down in families and family time has created a "need" (especially in inner NYC schools from which his experience results)for additional schooling and homework. Since so many Americans are shirking their responsibilities (in my opinion)the government is attempting to take over those responsibilities. Which of course is not working.
If you are looking for a book that deals with public schooling's inadequacies I think "A Mind At A Time," by Mel Levine is much more worthwhile.
julialou's review against another edition
4.0
Written by a public school teacher disenchanted with the way school is set up in America. His criticisms were beneficial to me because he believes that centralized changes to the system won't help; he argues that it would be far better to localize schools. Unfortunately, he doesn't offer much of a plan to make changes, but that isn't what he set out to do. He means to show the problems to bring others out of their complacency or ignorance of what the schools are doing.