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  • Dumbing Us Down

  • The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling
  • Written by: John Taylor Gatto
  • Narrated by: Michael Puttonen
  • Length: 3 hrs and 19 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (51 ratings)

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Dumbing Us Down

Written by: John Taylor Gatto
Narrated by: Michael Puttonen
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Publisher's Summary

Thirty years in New York City's public schools led John Gatto to the sad conclusion that compulsory schooling does little but teach young people to follow orders like cogs in an industrial machine. With over 100,000 copies in print since its original publication in 2002, this book is collection of essays and speeches and contains a description of the wide-spread impact of the book and Gatto's "guerrilla teaching".

About the author: John Gatto was a teacher in New York City's public schools for over 30 years and is a recipient of the New York State Teacher of the Year award. A much sought after speaker on education throughout North America, his other books include Weapons of Mass Instruction: A Schoolteacher’s Journey through the Dark World of Compulsory Schooling, A Different Kind of Teacher, and The Underground History of American Education.

©2002 John Taylor Gatto (P)2012 Post Hypnotic Press, Inc

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Thank you

Thank you once again for affirming the things I intuitively understand. But do not have the words to put into context. I will continue on my journey of understanding Unschooling /hoemschool with own children through the faith in God and inspiring writers such as yourself thank you.

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Something is wrong with school... this explains it

I'd you ever wondered why school didn't click with you. you likely pushed against what school unintentionally teaches. the book is a MUST read for ALL

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Not sure this book really gives a good solution

This book points out a lot of flaws in our school systems. The definition of who is smart is certainly objective, so testing our kids all the same way is undermining our kids self esteem and getting them ready for a life of mediocrity.

I like the assessment, I would like to hear some of the positives, and more ideas on how to improve. The author suggests home schooling, which can be very beneficial for some, but it can open the door to many other issues. Parents who can’t home school because they have two working parents (or single parent).
What about the social aspect of protecting your kids and not exposing them to the world?

There are too many sheeple today, no doubt, not sure this book really gives a good solution.

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absolutely essential

such a great book. had me feeling mutual sorrow and joy. sorrow for the lose of potential and joy for finally seeing an alternative.

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Eye opening

A great, informative work.I would rexomend this book for anyone looking into unschooling for kids.

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