Although there are two main themes in the book, I identified more with the broader social crisis, where material prosperity overshadows spiritual well-being. While I do think the other theme, educational reform, is truly important, the spirituality aspect really fits in with my school counseling path. In the final chapter, Shapiro writes, "There is, today, an extraordinary disconnection between the education we offer young people, and the needs that must be addressed to cope with the world within which they are growing up. This disconnection (chasm is probably a more appropriate term) makes much of what passes for education a strangely out of touch experiences for youngsters- one that at best bores, and at worst draws contempt or cynicism" (p.181).
He continues to discuss that the "real curriculum" of children's lives is their subjection to the constant influence of a culture that turns every aspect of life into a commodity- something that can be bought and sold. Therefore, our culture, so focused on consumption, encourages an obsessive focus on the self. This materialistic focus takes away from the quest for spiritual, moral and social meaning. I can see how this all factors into a child's self-concept and self-worth.
Another part of the book that I identified with was when Shapiro discussed schooling and the hidden curriculum. "Most schooling in the U.S.," he writes, "teaches young people little about thinking critically about their world. The classroom is mainly a place where kids, in order to succeed, learn about finding the 'right' answers to the teachers' questions, and to respond successfully to their tests and assignments. It is, perhaps, the central lesson of the hidden curriculum" (p.96). This concept really ft into our class discussions and my own views regarding curriculum.
Although I never really thought about education or even thought about my views regarding education, I'm appreciative of this class and the way it has opened my mind to thinking about thinking. Like I mentioned in my P.O.E., I am still unsure of my exact philosophy and I think that is OK. What I take from this book and this class is not to change my own views and values, but to just start thinking about them.
