The Gravity of School

School is a manufactured environment which has yet to be justified by scientific methods of its self-declared positive outcome. In fact, the outcomes of school for our children over the years have grown more negative. The gravitational pull downward in our educational system is evidenced by falling military recruit exam scores, SAT scores being adjusted upwards nearly 100 points for those over 30 years of age without retaking the exam, and literacy rates and reading levels decreasing over the last 100 years.

The real effect of school is designed into the institution. Many can sense the ominous circumstance it breeds without being able to properly describe it. Often, I hear educators perplexed by the actions of a school board which are so contrary to a good education. Parents don't understand why the system enacts rules unnatural and unhelpful for the children. Obviously, the goals of the parents and of well-meaning teachers are contrary to the institution set up for our children.