Challenging Assumptions in Education

Luke Lawson is a teacher and administrator in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

In this book, Wendy Priesnitz, a supporter of deschooling and
homeschooling, argues that the current educational system is outdated
and that “we must demolish the institution of schooling because it
impedes learning and enslaves children.”

She supports her argument by attacking five widely held assumptions
that uphold the “hierarchical, coercive, industrial model of
education.” The five assumptions are as follows: education is
something that is done for you; knowledge belongs to a cult of experts;
others know best what children should learn; schools provide effective
training; schools have a noble purpose. These five assumptions are
presented in chapter form, though with little scholarly analysis and no
footnotes. In the book’s most controversial section, the author calls
for the elimination of grades and report cards, curriculum, textbooks,
lesson plans, compulsory education, and ranking; she also supports
decertifying teaching.

Priesnitz makes valid points about such topics as the overuse of
Ritalin and the “dumbing down” of the curriculum; unfortunately,
they are completely overwhelmed by her extreme political rhetoric, the
sheer absurdity of many of her proposed “changes,” and her lack of
scholarship.