Comments for sursumcorda.salemsattic.com/post/weapons-of-mass-instruction

Comment #1040

2019-05-06T03:27:15Z

I suppose I should also forestall the obvious—but wrong—conclusion that our concern over Value Clarification-type exercises was why we later decided to homeschool. That didn't even make the the top 50 of our reasons for homeschooling. Being informed, we had been able to make our peace with the situation.

(The link takes you to the list I made while our kids were still in school; were I to make such a list now, 20 years later, there would be significant differences, but it stands as evidence that effective education was the issue, not affective education.)

Comment #1039

2019-05-06T03:27:15Z

I should probably mention, though my regular readers know this, that I don't agree with everything Gatto says, and certainly not with some of his approbations. Note to Faith: Don't expect your grandparents to be thrilled if you get arrested.

But I've written so much about (my own) proverb, The wise man recognizes truth in the words of his enemies, that it should probably have a blog of its own. John Taylor Gatto is not my enemy; I respect him a great deal, appreciate his work very much, and indeed we agree on a lot. But his extremism can make people reject his wisdom, and I hope to encourage those who might be tempted to do so to read/listen with an open mind and not miss the gold in rejecting the dross. Whatever your schooling experiences and convictions, knowledge is power.

Comment #1038

2010-02-15T13:33:26Z

That's pretty funny—and sadly true. I'd never heard of the song (nor Steve Taylor) before, but it sure captures the essence of the game.

Comment #1037

2010-02-15T08:35:12Z

I knew about Lifeboat, but only from the Steve Taylor song...

Comment #1036

2010-02-14T20:57:39Z

Wow, that's great that you have the opportunity to see Gatto in person! As you'll see in the video, he's a much better writer than speaker (I can relate!), but it would be very cool to meet him, anyway.

Comment #1035

2010-02-14T13:14:24Z

kenny and i are trying to see John Gatto speak at Geneva college on Thursday evening. Your review made me even MORE excited to hear him speak. i'm slowly making my way through the online version of UHoAE that you reference above.