This chapter emphasized the fact that education is being treated more like a marketplace and business rather than an entity that is in charge of our childrens’ lives and in that, our future. The government is focusing more on what makes ‘profit’ rather than what is most beneficial to our children. The thing that grabbed my attention most was that the chapter mentioned that teachers are basically being trained to prepare students for tests instead of actually teaching relevant, interesting material. In my opinion, this lacks a degree of creativity. Because of this, children are taught at an early age to take thing for what they are. This discourages them to argue and actually use their brains. With this early submission to conformity, what is our future going to look like? I can’t even imagine what our society will be like being run by like-minded robots (not much different than it’s being run today, I guess…)
Another thing that stood out to me was when students in NJ and NM received great scores on the standardized tests. Instead of being congratulated and celebrated, the tests were made to be more difficult. Doesn’t this defeat the purpose of it all? The students and our education system as a whole are basically destined for failure.
