Blog Post 9 - Why School? Chapters 1 & 2

If there is to be increased academic passion and educational success in the United States, there must be a radical transformation of our educational system; this is main idea of chapter one. In chapter 2, the focus is on the individual. For the aforementioned transformation to take place on an individual level, students must self-reflect on “the question ‘why go to school’” (Why School?, Chapter 2, pg. 31). They must find out what education means to them instead of pursuing school as a sweeping means to ensure financial security. Instead of this, we must have education become “as source of meaning” (Chapter 2, pg. 32). If we want education equality throughout the United States, then “we need public talk that links education to a more decent, thoughtful, open society” (Chapter 1, pg. 28-29).  

                The ideas behind the first two chapters of Why School? are easy to identify with; the wording is very straightforward and there is little to disagree with. So many college students these days are burned out, tired of learning and absorbing facts that are seemingly useless. When it comes to education, as author Mike Rose declares, “There’s not much public discussion of achievement that includes curiosity, reflectiveness, uncertainty or a willingness to take a chance, to blunder” (Chapter 1, pg. 27). I look at my friends at school and I see people who have too many obligations – family, jobs, health, etc. – coupled with no clear educational or employment goals. This is what makes the academics difficult for them.  For this to change, there needs to be a transformation in our educational system.