The Basics Have Changed

Are Traditional School Subjects Still Useful in the Modern World?

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John Taylor Gatto’s book, Dumbing Us Down, makes a bold claim about modern education: it’s getting harder to teach the basics because they no longer match what our society actually needs. And there’s a lot of truth in that. Think about it—over the past two decades, the internet has completely reshaped how we live and work. Nearly every company has had to adapt to this internet-driven economy to stay competitive. So, if the world has changed so much, why is our approach to education stuck in the past?

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Are We Teaching the Wrong Basics?

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Take something like high school geometry. Is it really necessary for every student to spend an entire year on it? Sure, math is important, but outside of fields like engineering or tech, a lot of the math taught in school might never be used again. So, what are we really doing with all this time spent learning subjects that may not have much real-world application? Could there be a better way to spend that time?

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Many parents in our community think so. The key is to teach skills that match today’s needs. One way to do that is through co-ops—programs where teenagers work directly with companies on real industry assignments. This kind of experience builds practical skills and knowledge, unlike the traditional school curriculum that focuses heavily on abstract subjects.

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Schools and the “Formulaic” Human

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Gatto points out that schools have become institutions that churn out predictable, formulaic human beings. There’s less emphasis on helping young people become independent, confident, and self-reliant. Instead, they’re pushed through a rigid educational process that can be mind-numbing. It’s not exactly an inspiring environment for teens to figure out who they are and what they want to do with their lives. I know I didn’t enjoy high school for that reason—sitting all day with people my same age and doing repetitive tasks wasn’t motivating.

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So, What’s the Better Way?

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Imagine a system where students spend less time stuck in a classroom and more time gaining real-world experience. In a co-op, they get the chance to solve problems, work with mentors, and learn skills they’ll actually use in their future careers. This approach makes education less about ticking boxes and more about creating well-rounded, capable young adults.

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Of course, traditional subjects like math, science, history, and English still have their place. They are the fundamentals, after all. But there’s a growing realization that schools are spending too much time on this old formula and not enough on preparing students for the modern world. Technology is rapidly changing how we work, and it’s crucial for today’s kids to be ready for it.

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Where Do You Stand?

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Are you on the side of traditional schooling, or do you see the value in preparing kids for the new internet-driven economy? Real-world work, meaningful experiences, and mentors who can guide students to learn what they’re truly interested in could make all the difference. Maybe it’s time to rethink what “basic” education should be.

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