I walk into a gym as a personal trainer for groups of adults. I get roughly 24 adults per group and regardless of their lifestyles, choices, or desires I attempt to make them able to meet specified standards. The standards are ten unassisted pull-ups, 30 push ups, squatting twice their bodyweight on a barbell, running a marathon, and being able to sprint 100 meters in 12 seconds. Their sex, age, income, current diet, and physical background has no bearing on the standards. I see them two to three times per week for a year and a half, with three weeks of for the holidays and six weeks off for summer.

Does anyone believe I will be successful? The scenario is ridiculous.

Yet how different is it from what we expect teachers to do with a class of students?

I walk into a classroom as a teacher for groups of seventeen to eighteen year olds. I get roughly 24 students per group and regardless of their lifestyles, choices, or desires I attempt to make them able to meet specified standards. The standards are in six subjects related to essay writing, mathematical problem solving, historical thinking, scientific experimentation, language acquisition, and arts. Their social background, IQ, income, current reading habits, and knowledge background has no bearing on the standards. I see them two to three times per week for a year and a half, with three weeks of for the holidays and six weeks off for summer.

I don’t see how this scenario is any less ridiculous.