TFOT Show 5/24/08, 8 a.m. central, at www.praise940.com, click on ‘listen live’.

Topic: Exposing the myths of mass education

Guest: John Taylor Gatto, 3-time NY City Teacher of the Year and NY State Teacher of the Year

“THINK IT THROUGH:
Each week I ask listeners to analyze headlines and hidden agendas and think things through. This week the topics were:
- Follow up to last week’s show (see blog dated 5/17/08). After passing both Iowa Houses, The Emancipation of a Child bill, SF 2364 was vetoed by the Governor Culver. This legislation was dangerous and intrusive with irreconcilable consequences on Iowa families.
- Update on Texas LDS Tragedy where 400 plus children were unlawfully removed from their homes by CPS agents and state authorities. With no arrests, and warrants dropped, the over zealous behavior of authorities is becoming increasingly more glaring. For nearly six weeks TFOT listeners have been asked to consider the dangerous implications for all American parents if authorities are allowed to invade private homes unconstitutionally on the basis of ‘potential danger’ or religious bias. LA Times reported Texas officials had admitted at least 15 of the mothers the state initially detained as child brides were adults; one as old as 27.
- Memorial Day Take time to pay respects to loved ones and decorate family graves with your children so you can share a memory or some family history.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Friday, May 30, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. The Meyer Orchestra
under the direction of Cheryl Kutscher will be performing in the Sheslow Auditorium located in the Old Main Building on Drake Campus. The concert is free to the public and a great way to expose young musicians to the beauty of classical music.
- June 3, 2008 Primary elections in Iowa. Know your candidates, see what your choices are and make an informed one – VOTE.
- June 6 & 7, 2008, NICHE - Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators annual conference.

INTERVIEW:
John Taylor Gatto was a public school teacher who climaxed his teaching career as New York State Teacher of the Year after being named New York City Teacher of the Year on three occasions. He quit teaching on the OP ED page of the Wall Street Journal in 1991 while still New York State Teacher of the Year, claiming that he was no longer willing to hurt children.

Gatto has a vast knowledge and ability to break apart the educational ‘programs’ and expose their purpose and origin. In his book, “The Underground History of American Education”, John exposes the myths of mass education that many parents have sensed, but don’t quite feel qualified or know how to express. He explains how America’s schools have become breeding grounds for boredom and alienation; alienating students from parents and their peers, and teachers from administrators and other teachers. He discusses the damage of labeling children whether it be talented and gifted or with a learning disability, both have little meaning outside the classroom. Beyond the violence, John explains the simple structure of the school day is unhealthy to children and can lead to obesity and diabetes due to inactivity.

Gatto’s insights surpass the school house doors. He moves pass the superficial argument of ‘supply and demand’ being the root of high gas prices to the real issue of government control and behavior modification which falls in place with Sen. Harkin’s comment that “Iowans will have to cut back on their travel”. This relates to the ‘group think’ being taught in our schools today and how it eradicates individual morally and critical thinking skills as we wait for approval from the masses.

If you read nothing more than the prologue and you will have much to think about and hopefully some of those ‘pieces’ will start falling into place. In the Fourth Purpose, a documentary series, Gatto gives compelling evidence of what is wrong with our schools and he then gives parents, students, and teachers extraordinary alternatives. John’s new book, Weapons of Mass Instruction will be available this fall.

Note from the show host:
Many parents feel that they must turn their children over the ‘experts’ for education. If you are one of those parents, please take time to read John’s book and understand these education professionals have lives of their own. Your children will NOT be their priority, but they should be yours. Consider your priorities and how you might possibly rearrange your time or finances and consider giving your child an educational boost by removing them from government indoctrination centers. Too many students today are unhappy and unhealthy. The rat trap of a ‘good education’ for the purpose of a ‘good degree’ so a ‘good job’ can be held to achieve a ‘good life’ will just continue to lead to a larger rat trap of unhappiness if not illness. American children are taking more prescription drugs than ever before, they are increasingly depressed and teen suicides are rising. Each fall millions of American parents place their children in the hands of a stranger and expect something they are not willing to give themselves. Why would a stranger put more effort, time, or thought into your child than you do? The best teacher may be well intentioned, but will still have a ‘bad’ day. Read about Bianca. God uniquely designed you to be the parents of your children. Trust Him to help you in the process. If God cares about the sparrow, how much more will he care about your children, Matthew 10:29. Start now prayerfully considering what environment your child should be in next fall. Who will best teach your children this fall? It likely ISN’T a stranger.

“We must view young people not as empty bottles to be filled, but as a candle to be lit.” Robert Shaffer

Blessings,
Tamara