The Underground History of American Education: A Wake-Up Call for Anyone Concerned About the Future

The American education system is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. But is it really?

In "The Underground History of American Education" by John Taylor Gatto, we are presented with a sobering analysis of the American education system and the ways in which it has been designed to promote conformity and obedience rather than creativity and independent thought.

In this book, Gatto challenges readers to question their assumptions about the purpose of education and to consider alternative approaches to learning and personal development. He argues that the American education system is primarily designed to produce obedient workers and consumers, rather than independent thinkers, and that this model is based on a Prussian system that was originally designed to produce obedient soldiers and workers. Throughout the book, Gatto provides a historical overview of the development of the American education system, tracing its roots back to the 17th century. He examines the impact of industrialization on education, critiques the philosophy of education reformers such as John Dewey and Horace Mann, and explores the role of standardized testing in enforcing conformity and control.

Gatto also discusses the impact of scientific management on the American education system, arguing that it has been restructured to mimic the principles of scientific management, which emphasize efficiency and control over creativity and independent thought. He explores the ways in which the education system has been used to promote social engineering and control, and critiques the role of the media in shaping public opinion and enforcing conformity.

But "The Underground History of American Education" is not just a critique of the American education system. It is also a call to action. Gatto suggests that the solution to the problems of the education system is to promote entrepreneurship and individualism, rather than conformity. He urges readers to challenge the assumptions and values that underlie our current system of education, and to work towards a more individualistic and empowering model of learning.

In conclusion, "The Underground History of American Education" is a thought-provoking and timely analysis of the American education system. It challenges readers to question their assumptions about the purpose of education and to consider alternative approaches to learning and personal development. It is a wake-up call for anyone concerned about the future of learning in America, and a call to action for those who are committed to promoting creativity, individualism, and independent thought in our schools and in our society.

The free PDF download is available here: "The Underground History of American Education" by John Taylor Gatto