As I read this piece it was hard to not compare with my own educational experience. Gatto argue that schools are mere laboratories where the incompetence of the teacher is trickled down to the student. However, this argument is merely situational. The teacher makes the student. In Gatto’s case, the boring, conforming methods in which he was taught in school makes his case valid. Yet In a case such as mine in high school I had teachers who had written books, taught in college, and genuinely cared about my understanding of the material. I had office hours, review sessions, after class questions and discussions that prepared me for the exact kind of education I would “receive” here at Williams.

Although, Gatto makes a good point about individuality within the confines of education. He says, “We could encourage the best qualities of youthfulness-curiosity, adventure, resilience, the capacity for surprising insight simply by being more flexible about time, texts, and tests, by introducing kids to truly competent adults, and by giving each student what autonomy he or she needs in order to take a risk every now and then.” (Page 34) It is certainly smart to promote curiosity and adventure while in school. These children are beginning to take interest in certain subjects and aspects of life that will evolve into passions and maybe even careers. Therefore, for the educational system to promote the ability to explore these things through risk and adventure only fosters good. However at the same time I think it is crucial to understand discipline and order. Gatto fails to understand that flexible test times and homework will only create laziness. Where there should be flexibility is in texts, as he mentions, within readings and their interpretation, leaving kids with the free will to believe whats in their mind and heart rather than whats written on the chalk board.

Lastly, Gatto questions whether or not the bureaucratic educational system is needed. He exclaims that the five day schedule is obsolete, arguing the difference between unschooled and uneducated. In my opinion, the schooling system may be far too constant, grueling and often unneeded but the community serves as a microcosm of real life. Friends deceiving friends, teachers picking favorites, and all in all the social testing that occurs in high school is pretty crucial to the maturity of individuals. School isn’t about learning the formulas or memorizing the historic dates, but about learning how to listen, how to take notes, and how to swim in the social deep end that is high school.