Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling
Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling
Book Brief
BetaDumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2005142
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 1990s
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling, John Taylor Gatto critiques the education system, arguing it impedes genuine learning and personal growth. He emphasizes how standardized schooling enforces conformity and obedience, limiting creativity and critical thinking, ultimately fostering passive citizens rather than active, independent thinkers.
Informative
Challenging
Unnerving
Contemplative
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
13,237 ratings
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Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling by John Taylor Gatto challenges conventional education systems, highlighting how they stifle creativity and independent thought. Critics appreciate Gatto’s candid insights and passionate critique, but some argue his stance is overly negative and lacks solutions. Engaging yet polarizing, it prompts reflection on education's purpose.
Who Should Read Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling?
A curious reader who questions conventional education systems and values alternative schooling methods would enjoy Dumbing Us Down. Fans of Ivan Illich's Deschooling Society and Neil Postman's Teaching as a Subversive Activity would also find resonance in Gatto's critique of compulsory schooling.
13,237 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling is a collection of essays by John Taylor Gatto, who was a New York State Teacher of the Year before becoming a critic of the education system.
The book was first published in 1992 and has since fueled discussions on the effectiveness and purpose of traditional schooling methods.
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Gatto's work in Dumbing Us Down has been influential in the homeschooling movement, encouraging parents to consider educational alternatives outside of conventional school systems.
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142
Book • Nonfiction
United States • 1990s
2005
Adult
18+ years
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