Weapons of Mass Instruction: A Schoolteacher's Journey Through the Dark World of Compulsory Schooling Audiobook (Unabridged)

" Incredibly interesting topic but Gatto's writing style was way over my head (which is the only reason I gave it 2 stars instead of more). Really makes you think about "schooling" and "education," how those two things are SEPERATE. He is also an advocate for the open-conspiracy of just saying "I prefer not to take your test" in regards to standardized testing. Above all what I really took away from this book is how we (as a society) need to re-evaluate what we define as education and success. "

" A little heavy on the conspiracy theories, but Gatto makes some good points about how we manage education in this country. "

" Provocative reflections on Gatto's 30+ years in public education, including discussions about the evolution of the modern public school system and ruminations on whether its advantages outweigh its harmful effects (he says no, but evidence is anecdotal). Contains many tales of exceptionally creative and successful individuals who were better educated outside the public school system. Could have been worth four stars, but it had a handful of annoying typos that should not have appeared in print. "

" So far this is an amazing history of the American government education system. We have all been indoctrinated... "

" This book lays out in plain English the suspicions I have had about the public education system all my life. It is a well-written and supported argument. As a public high school teacher, I also realize that this information can be useful in creating lessons that break kids out of this horrible cycle of not being able to think or problem solve on their own. And yes, to even refuse standardized testing! "

" This book is fairly amazing because it challenges conventional thinking as it pertains to compulsory education. If you have an open mind you are sure to find the book thought provoking at times. The only facet of this book that made me give it 4 stars as opposed to 5 is tendency for the author to either ramble at times or simply repeat previous points too much. "

" sometimes excellent and sometimes infuriating, sometimes pointed and sometimes mundane, but always controversial. I just think it is waaaay too humanistic, and he almost seems to have a disdain for childhood. "

" I agree with his idea of education. "

" After reading this and Dumbing Us Down I am seriously considering homeschooling our kids (something I never thought I'd do). The information in this book is invaluable. "

" He seems extra angry at some points in this, but it can sure take a load off of the pressure for kids to 'achieve'. Achieve what exactly? I really liked this book and read it in a few days. "

" As much as I wanted to like this one (I loved A Different Kind of Teacher), this one was too preachy...even for me. Honestly, I didn't even finish it. It was a bit extreme for my taste. "

" Unbelievable book. I didn't want it to end! It was so....good. Opened my eyes to the standardized testing in our schools and so much more! "

" Eye-opening book about the US schooling system. Most of the concepts are valid in other systems and countries too. Never got the structure and the organization of the book, but really liked the references and the true stories through the eyes of Gatto. "

" This was just a series of anecdotes and I did not learn very much. I also did not like the writer's style. "

" This should be essential reading for everyone who's ever been through a compulsory education system, and particularly for parents of children going through it. You'll never see schooling in the same way again. "

" Gatto presents some interesting ideas. I'm not sure if I agree with most of it, but certainly I share some of his points of view. At times, I got lost in his rhetoric - too convoluted, too many points in one sentence. "

" This volume is essentially the summary of what John Taylor Gatto exposed in his seminal An Underground History of American Education. Recommended for all citizens, but especially those contemplating college. "