I can’t shake the sneaking suspicion that a closet unschooler is a writer on Harry’s Law. An episode I watched a while back seemed just loaded with unschooling philosophy. I found its premise to be so unschool-y, in fact, that I’ve written about it not once, but twice already. And here I go again…
If you’ve already read my first two posts, How Harry’s Law Teaches Unschooling and Are Kids Supposed to Hate School?, you’ll know the episode to which I’m referring. In it, 16-year old Scott has his day in court, desperate to convince the judge to allow him to remain in his high-tech (and high-salaried) job developing Twitter apps rather than returning him to high school, as his parents wish.
Scott’s parents have argued that his junior year is critical to his future. Without an outstanding showing, they testify, their son will lose his place on the fast track to an Ivy League School and all that is presumed to follow: success, wealth, and a happy life.
Their lawyer, Ollie, couldn’t agree more. It’s clear that he thinks the young man is making a grave mistake. In the following interchange, he employs a line of reasoning that seems fool-proof at first glance. But this kid is an out-of-the-box kind of guy. He sees through the argument and pin-points today’s truth – a truth that unschoolers are already grappling with. Here’s what was said.
Ollie: You have any idea how difficult it is to find a job without a college degree? (How many of us have heard that one?)
Scott: Do you know how hard it is to find a job with one? (Touché)
Ollie: I do. And the fact that so many kids who are graduating university still can’t find work should tell you how tough the market place is.
Scott: No, it tells me how devalued a college education is becoming, in part because it’s artificial. You want to be a doctor, you want to be a lawyer, you want to speak Latin to your grand kids, go to college. But for what I want to do, it isn’t necessary.” (You know what: he might just be right)
In my husband’s field, Ivy League graduates are not seen as assets, but often as liabilities. In an industry where original thinking is essential, too many kids graduating from Harvard or Yale are just too predictable. Harsh words, I know. But true nonetheless.
Years ago, a college degree was your ticket to upward mobility. Without one, you were doomed to menial work. This is no longer quite so strictly the case. Today’s world is looking for entrepreneurs; people unafraid to push the envelope, to think outside the box. College just doesn’t seem to be the place to develop those newly sought-after qualities. And people are finally starting to notice.
In her closing argument, Scott’s lawyer echoes the sentiments of the radical voices in education, such as John Holt and John Taylor Gatto.
“One thing we know for certain,” she says, “College ain’t getting it done. We’re turning out a nation of test-takers and worker bees. College does a lousy job of breeding visionaries, and missing in action are the big ideas, the big thinkers. As a result, innovation in the US has stagnated. It’s why we’re falling behind the rest of the world. We need kids who embrace the radical, who think outside the box – and we need them when their imaginations are firing on all cylinders.”
Am I saying that college is a waste of time and money? No, not necessarily. What I am suggesting is this: that we be willing to question whether it is still the only – or even the best – way to ensure a productive, fulfilled life. That’s what I want for my children: a productive, fulfilling, purpose-filled life – whether it’s validated by a diploma or not.
What do you think?
I completely agree. I’m also very excited to have found someone who shares this philsophy. You see I am now in my late 40’s and am going through a life transition. I had graduated from high school not knowing what I truly wanted to do with my life. However, I had many interests and passions. I was always disillusioned with school. I never did very well in my “academics”. Although, I knew that I was very capable. Well, when I “barely” graduated high school. I went on to prove myself. I was articulate and bright. Therefore I was able to gain employment in many fields. I tried retail, manufacturing, banking, administrative and real estate. Finally, I had my second child at 44 and realized I didn’t feel fulfilled in any of those positions. I believed that if I had gone the “traditional” route (meaning college). I would have been more successful. Well, I had always enjoyed working with children and had babysat when in high school. I had been hired for a front desk position at my local health club. My schedule had changed and I was unable to keep the position. Fortunately, there was a part time, childcare position available. I decided to give it a try. I have never felt more fulfilled and satisfied then in that “low paying, unskilled” position. I enjoy engaging and interacting with the children. I feel that I have become a more well rounded, compassionate and thriving adult because of my experiences. I do not want my daughter to feel like a failure because she doesn’t fit into the role of “model student”. Every child has potential and ability. GO UNSCHOOLING!!
Thank you so much for your comment. It’s wonderful to hear from people who have real life experience such as yours. Thanks for being willing to share!
Mmmhmmm… remember, what school (and by extension college and universities) were designed for: To turn out more factory workers. In that setting, conformity is kinda important. The fact is schools are preparing our children for a world that no longer exists.
Very true!
Indeed.
You know…I was on an anti-school website just now.
Someone’s signature intrigued me: “Thanks for the diploma. Can I have my childhood back?”
I always thought Homeschooler’s often make their own grades, transcripts and diplomas (legally).
Are Unschooler’s unable to do that?
Yes, unschoolers can do so as well.
Omgoodness!! I just stumbled across this site and I am besides myself with happiness! I have felt this way for so long but coming up in a family that measures its self worth by the title he or she possesses kept me always feeling alone and inadequate. It’s so wonderful to know that I’m not alone and my ideas are not outlandish or crazy 🙂 Thank you for your article! It was such an encouragement!
Hi Shannon! I’m so glad you’re feeling encouraged. You are definitely NOT alone! Keep on keeping on 🙂
I am a graduate of a tradition high school, but always hated the fact that I had to be isolated from the outside world eight hours a day just to get information that the teachers wanted to cram down my brain. I love reading, writing, math and science as much as the educational “gurus,” but felt that I could learn more if it was on my terms rather than the government. My husband and I want to home school our kids when we have them, but I am steered toward unschooling because I want them to learn at their own pace without the structured mess. With me, growing up, I would have been happy learning about reading and writing fiction; the other subjects I would have learned also, but I want to become a novelist and journalist. If I went this route instead of the traditional path, then I would have wanted to learn more and probably graduated college the first time around. I am now going to school to learn Creative Writing and improve my skills as a writer; I also want to learn the publishing process to get my foot in the door. Anyway, with my kids (when I have them), I want them to learn on their terms, not mine or the government. If they want to learn about art, I will do whatever it takes to make sure they do so for as long as they are interested; the same goes for any other ventures they want to pursue.
Wow…it’s wonderful that you’ve done so much reflecting about your own experiences and even have some thoughts as to how you want to approach the education of your (future) children! Best wishes to you!
Take good care,
Nicole
Wow is all I can say!! I stumbled apon your page looking for anwsers and reasons to my beliefs… on why I should unschool my children. I was happy to read each article. Question… Do you know of any children on the spectrum in the unschool community/boards/links that you can direct me towards? My toddler is on spectrum but recieves speech, occupational therapy, and art therapy. 🙂 I also have a tween who’s very intelligent but bored with school and very convincing of unschooling (she’s winning). Just wanted to say thank you. You have opened my eyes even more so. Hope you and your family have a wonderful day.
Thanks so much for your words of encouragement, and for sharing your journey with us! While I don’t know any specific links or groups for children on the spectrum, but I know they’re out there, so keep looking 🙂
I wish you and your children great joy as you continue your journey!
-Nicole