black board, white chalk

2 Responses to “John Taylor Gatto on Public Schooling”

1. Hi! Popped over from thriftdiving room challenge… seriously, these are words to my own sentiments. I had someone think I was crazy because I wouldn’t “drop my kids off” at the children’s play center at Ikea while we shopped. “I do not hand my children over to people whom I do not know.” I feel the same way about sending them off to school. I also find it odd that my two five year olds would have a daily “life” for 7 hours that did not include us, their family (and they grow so fast and we would be missing -and missing them – so much!). My child’s violin teacher actually thanked me for attending my child’s private lessons, because “I was the only parent who did that.” Some parents she had never even met! WHAT?! On the flip side, my coz is a single dad, and he needs to earn a living, so off his son goes to public school; he needs to go somewhere while his father works, no family around to help. I feel blessed to homeschool, and sad that not everyone can should they want to. Thanks for this post. -Beth M.

   Beth said this on August 13, 2014 at 11:12 pm | Reply

   • Hi Beth! Great to see you here and I completely agree with your comment. Homeschooling, I feel is a privilege, and while it’s a great option, it’s not possible for everyone. We’ve taken an income cut in choosing to homeschool and that’s the reality of it. Some people will say well our children should come first, but just because parents do not homeschool, it doesn’t mean their children don’t come first, especially for single parents who are committed and involved in their children’s lives, sometimes it isn’t an option. That’s why on the flip-side, it is important to ensure that we know our children’s teachers and who they are involved with at any given time and strive for quality education no matter what the setting. Thank you for the comment and clarity.

     Omaira said this on August 14, 2014 at 3:55 am | Reply