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Why Does School Only Care About Grades?

Have you ever wondered why school seems to care more about grades than about your actual well-being and growth as a person? It's a question that's been on my mind lately, and I wanted to dive into it with you.

John Taylor Gatto, a former New York City school teacher turned outspoken critic of the education system, once said that the true purpose of schools is not to educate, but to indoctrinate. He believed that schools were designed to create obedient workers and consumers, rather than independent thinkers and lifelong learners like ourselves. It's a sobering thought, isn't it? To realize that the system we're trapped in might not have our best interests at heart.

Laurie A. Couture, another advocate for alternative education, suggests that parents should be fostering curiosity and self-expression in their children, rather than pushing them to conform to arbitrary standards set by the school system. She believes that children learn best when they're allowed to explore their interests freely, without the pressure to perform for grades or approval.

And then there's Peter Gray, who has written extensively about the role of play in learning. He argues that play is essential for children's development, yet it's often stifled in traditional school environments. Instead of letting us learn through exploration and experimentation, schools force us to sit still and regurgitate information from textbooks. No wonder so many of us feel bored and unmotivated.

But here's the good news: there are alternatives to traditional schooling. Self-directed education, for example, allows students to pursue their interests at their own pace, without the constraints of a rigid curriculum. Online schools offer flexibility and autonomy, allowing us to learn from anywhere in the world, on our own schedule.

And most importantly, I want you to know that your feelings are valid. You're not alone in your frustration with school, and there's nothing wrong with you for feeling this way. It's okay to question the status quo and seek out alternatives that better suit your needs and interests.

So hang in there, my fellow School Survivors. Together, we'll navigate this system and carve out our own paths to success and fulfillment.

Posted in: Blog, Questions on February 15, 2024 @ 2:50 PM

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