Episode 28 - Educated

In Episode 28 - Educated we go into the intricacies and history of education in America (and a couple of soap boxes). We start by tracing the roots of public schooling back to 1635 and explore the pivotal role of figures like Horace Mann, who championed free, compulsory education for all. As we navigate through the timeline, we discuss the influences of powerful entities like the Rockefeller Foundation, which shaped the landscape of higher education and medical schools, and how policies like the No Child Left Behind Act have impacted both the strengths and weaknesses of our current system. We talk about the structure of the school day, the pros and cons of standardized testing, and the controversial aspects that include propaganda in education and the consequences of desegregation. We also examine alternative approaches like homeschooling, tutors and unschooling, highlighting how these methods provide a different path to education outside the conventional system. We also get into the limitations and criticisms of traditional education, especially in how it often stifles creativity, critical thinking, and individuality in favor of conformity and routine. We share our personal decision to homeschool our children, discussing why we believe this approach better supports creativity and individual growth, free from the constraints of the traditional education system. Episode 28 Challenge - Reflect on your own educational experiences and consider how we can collectively work towards a more inclusive and effective future for education.