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The School Revolution: A New Answer for Our Broken Education System
Twelve-term Texas Congressman, Presidential candidate, and #1 New York Times bestselling author Ron Paul returns with a highly provocative treatise about how we need to fundamentally change the way we think about America's broken education system in order to fix it.
Whether or not you have children, you know that education is vital to the prosperity and future of our society. Yet our current system simply doesn't work. Parents feel increasingly powerless, and nearly half of Americans give our schools a grade of "C". Now, in his new book, Ron Paul attacks the problem head-on and provides a focused solution that centers on strong support for home schooling and the application of free market principles to the American education system. Examining the history of education in this country, Dr. Paul identifies where we've gone wrong, what we can do about it, and how we can change the way we think about education in order to provide a brighter future for Americans.
Whether or not you have children, you know that education is vital to the prosperity and future of our society. Yet our current system simply doesn't work. Parents feel increasingly powerless, and nearly half of Americans give our schools a grade of "C". Now, in his new book, Ron Paul attacks the problem head-on and provides a focused solution that centers on strong support for home schooling and the application of free market principles to the American education system. Examining the history of education in this country, Dr. Paul identifies where we've gone wrong, what we can do about it, and how we can change the way we think about education in order to provide a brighter future for Americans.
206 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
51 people are currently reading
993 people want to read
About the author
Ron Paul
100 books556 followersRepublican United States Congressman from Lake Jackson, Texas, a physician, a bestselling author, and a former 2008 U.S. presidential candidate.
Originally from the Pittsburgh suburb of Green Tree, Pennsylvania, he studied at Duke University School of Medicine; after his 1961 graduation and a residency in obstetrics and gynecology, he became a U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, serving outside the Vietnam War zone. He later represented Texas districts in the U.S. House of Representatives (1976–1977, 1979–1985, and 1997–present). He entered the 1988 presidential election, running as the Libertarian nominee while remaining a registered Republican, and placed a distant third.
Paul has been described as conservative, Constitutionalist, and libertarian. He advocates a foreign policy of nonintervention, having voted against actions such as the Iraq War Resolution, but in favor of force against terrorists in Afghanistan. He favors withdrawal from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the United Nations, citing the dangers of foreign entanglements to national sovereignty. Having pledged never to raise taxes, he has long advocated ending the federal income tax, scaling back government spending, abolishing most federal agencies, and removing military bases and troops from foreign soil; he favors hard money and opposes the Federal Reserve. He also opposes the Patriot Act, the federal War on Drugs, No Child Left Behind, and gun control. Paul is strongly pro-life, and has introduced bills to negate Roe v. Wade, but affirms states' rights to regulate or ban abortion, rather than federal jurisdiction.
While Paul was a leading 2008 presidential candidate in some Republican straw polls, he saw substantially less support in landline opinion polls and in the actual primaries. Strong internet grassroots support was indicated by his popularity as a web search term, his lead in YouTube subscriptions, and, on December 16th 2007, the largest one-day fundraiser in U.S. political history, netting over $6 million in 24 hours through an independently organized effort. His book commenting on the presidential run, The Revolution: A Manifesto, became a bestseller immediately upon release and went on to be #1 on the New York Times nonfiction best sellers list.
Judge Andrew Napolitano calls him "the Thomas Jefferson of our day."
Ron Paul, the New York Post once wrote, is a politician who "cannot be bought by special interests."
"There are few people in public life who, through thick and thin, rain or shine, stick to their principles," added a congressional colleague. "Ron Paul is one of those few."
Originally from the Pittsburgh suburb of Green Tree, Pennsylvania, he studied at Duke University School of Medicine; after his 1961 graduation and a residency in obstetrics and gynecology, he became a U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, serving outside the Vietnam War zone. He later represented Texas districts in the U.S. House of Representatives (1976–1977, 1979–1985, and 1997–present). He entered the 1988 presidential election, running as the Libertarian nominee while remaining a registered Republican, and placed a distant third.
Paul has been described as conservative, Constitutionalist, and libertarian. He advocates a foreign policy of nonintervention, having voted against actions such as the Iraq War Resolution, but in favor of force against terrorists in Afghanistan. He favors withdrawal from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the United Nations, citing the dangers of foreign entanglements to national sovereignty. Having pledged never to raise taxes, he has long advocated ending the federal income tax, scaling back government spending, abolishing most federal agencies, and removing military bases and troops from foreign soil; he favors hard money and opposes the Federal Reserve. He also opposes the Patriot Act, the federal War on Drugs, No Child Left Behind, and gun control. Paul is strongly pro-life, and has introduced bills to negate Roe v. Wade, but affirms states' rights to regulate or ban abortion, rather than federal jurisdiction.
While Paul was a leading 2008 presidential candidate in some Republican straw polls, he saw substantially less support in landline opinion polls and in the actual primaries. Strong internet grassroots support was indicated by his popularity as a web search term, his lead in YouTube subscriptions, and, on December 16th 2007, the largest one-day fundraiser in U.S. political history, netting over $6 million in 24 hours through an independently organized effort. His book commenting on the presidential run, The Revolution: A Manifesto, became a bestseller immediately upon release and went on to be #1 on the New York Times nonfiction best sellers list.
Judge Andrew Napolitano calls him "the Thomas Jefferson of our day."
Ron Paul, the New York Post once wrote, is a politician who "cannot be bought by special interests."
"There are few people in public life who, through thick and thin, rain or shine, stick to their principles," added a congressional colleague. "Ron Paul is one of those few."
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September 22, 2013
This is certainly an interesting book. I like Ron (and Rand) Paul, but I am not a libertarian for many, many reasons. It was quite eye-opening to hear Mr. Paul's predictions for the future of education in this country, as well as his very valid criticisms of the current K-college model. As a libertarian, the author's focus is on the individual, and the ability of people to control their own destinies through hard work, will power, and the magic of Ludwig von Mises. I found myself quite inspired by Mr. Paul's discussion of leadership, and about how one best becomes a leader. In my own work, and in our larger country, it is the lack of effective leadership that is getting so many of our institutions--schools, businesses, government, churches, you name it--into such trouble. Mr. Paul actually inspired me to look into something I have allowed to sit on the back burner for too long, and for that I am grateful.
The author's criticisms of our education system are spot on, but he is far from the only person to have remarked on the difficulties our cites, towns, and states are facing with regard to getting children to learn how to think (not to mention providing something for them to think about!) The technological revolution that is taking place in America and in the world is going to turn what we call school on its head, and--here I think Mr. Paul's arguments were at their strongest--the old, sclerotic models are going to be overturned by those who have the means, and the wherewithal to access this brave new world of education.
By means, though, I am not saying money. Much of the new internet-based education is free already. "Means," in my completely unhumble opinion, means things like self-discipline, doggedness, creativity, curiosity, and self-reliance, According to the author, homeschooling is much better than public schools (or private ones, for that matter) since children should be trained to become auto-didactic at as early an age as possible. These uber-children need some pushing and prompting from their parents, of course, but ultimately the goal is to learn how to learn, then to go ahead and do it. Not much to argue about there.
Which leads to my greatest criticism of the book: Mr. Paul's program of education would work, wonderfully, for the best and the brightest kids, who have best and bright parents. The problem is, half of all people are below average intelligence. The author acknowledges this point in the later part of the book, saying that his curriculum would really only be suitable for (at best) 20% of our kids. So...what do we do with the other 80%? And what does Mr. Paul make of the fact that many of the kids attending home/cyberschools are simply not learning to read, to write, and to do math as well as their counterparts in public and private schools?
Not everyone can learn at the level Ron Paul is suggesting, especially by themselves. I like many of the ideas he lays out, but ultimately, I'm not sure how broadly applicable they are for children and young people today. Ron Paul has certainly given me some great ideas for teaching my own children (and myself, believe it or not), but like all things libertarian, in the end, I think it's simply unrealistic for the vast majority of people.
With that said, this was a good, thoughtful book. I'm glad I read it, and I have benefited from doing so.
The author's criticisms of our education system are spot on, but he is far from the only person to have remarked on the difficulties our cites, towns, and states are facing with regard to getting children to learn how to think (not to mention providing something for them to think about!) The technological revolution that is taking place in America and in the world is going to turn what we call school on its head, and--here I think Mr. Paul's arguments were at their strongest--the old, sclerotic models are going to be overturned by those who have the means, and the wherewithal to access this brave new world of education.
By means, though, I am not saying money. Much of the new internet-based education is free already. "Means," in my completely unhumble opinion, means things like self-discipline, doggedness, creativity, curiosity, and self-reliance, According to the author, homeschooling is much better than public schools (or private ones, for that matter) since children should be trained to become auto-didactic at as early an age as possible. These uber-children need some pushing and prompting from their parents, of course, but ultimately the goal is to learn how to learn, then to go ahead and do it. Not much to argue about there.
Which leads to my greatest criticism of the book: Mr. Paul's program of education would work, wonderfully, for the best and the brightest kids, who have best and bright parents. The problem is, half of all people are below average intelligence. The author acknowledges this point in the later part of the book, saying that his curriculum would really only be suitable for (at best) 20% of our kids. So...what do we do with the other 80%? And what does Mr. Paul make of the fact that many of the kids attending home/cyberschools are simply not learning to read, to write, and to do math as well as their counterparts in public and private schools?
Not everyone can learn at the level Ron Paul is suggesting, especially by themselves. I like many of the ideas he lays out, but ultimately, I'm not sure how broadly applicable they are for children and young people today. Ron Paul has certainly given me some great ideas for teaching my own children (and myself, believe it or not), but like all things libertarian, in the end, I think it's simply unrealistic for the vast majority of people.
With that said, this was a good, thoughtful book. I'm glad I read it, and I have benefited from doing so.
Want to read
March 16, 2015
These are a few notes I took from an interview Ron Paul gave to Charlie Rose.
The interview started with Rose asking RP about the meaning of “libertarianism”. RP replied it meant “non-intervention”; it’s the “classical liberalism". Then the interview proceeded focusing mainly on politics, economy and foreign policy.
Regarding Education, and his book, RP made some very few clarifications:
(1) The basis of the ongoing American educational system (in a broken state of being) has been, for the past 150 years, CONFORMITY; it’s been an authoritarian approach contrary to the philosophy of Liberty; and that “abolishes” creativity and curiosity. He favors a non-religious and secular approach to education. RP spoke of "damaging bad philosophy and religion”.
(2) Students and parents should be in charge. He pointed out that, quite recently, “kids are bored to death with CORE curriculum”, but also: nobody liked “no child left behind”. To RP, “self-starters” and leaders are needed; therefore, a new school of thought in Economics.
Conversation resumed to politics and economics. …and his son’s “more nuanced” approach.
September 23, 2013
Great little book that brings up a lot of valid questions and criticisms about the current education system and what lies ahead for the future. Definitely worth reading if you are questioning the quality of education you or your children received or are receiving.
September 24, 2013
This book is fantastic! Ron Paul dives into one of the greatest issues of our time: Education. He compares America's tax funded school system to the USPS. They are both failing because they are outdated and expensive. Soon people will not choose them because the alternatives are so much better and the price is worth it. Then Paul encourages parents to take an active role in their children's education. Parents are currently being hindered by the public schools because the public schools do not take into account what the local parents want for their children because the money does not come from them....it comes from washington (follow the money).
Ron Paul has inspired me with this book to embrace my role as an educator to my chilren. He shows the benefits in homeschooling (though not the only way to do it). He always displays a way to go to college for $15,000. I didnt believe it, but he gives the resources in the book and they all check out.
One theme in the book that really sticks out is: "One size does not fit all". Our current education system is focused on not leaving a child behind (testing) or on the common core (self-esteem) and not on the real issues (competence). We cannot fix education by telling all the children to the same thing. Each child learns at a different pace and needs a different type of enviroment. The faster children shouldnt be held back by the slower children. And the slower children shouldnt have their heads in the dirt because the teacher is going to fast for them.
The only "downfall" for this book is that Paul is only addressing 20% of children. He is not giving an overall solution. He is just talking to the top 20%. That does not mean that the top IQ but the top self motivated children and parents. The idea is to self-learn and be prepared for college and life. There is a sort of prediction to where public school will go and how it will eventually fail, but not a solution for the 80%.
Overall a great book that gives solid facts and a clear solution to parents who care about their children's education.
Ron Paul has inspired me with this book to embrace my role as an educator to my chilren. He shows the benefits in homeschooling (though not the only way to do it). He always displays a way to go to college for $15,000. I didnt believe it, but he gives the resources in the book and they all check out.
One theme in the book that really sticks out is: "One size does not fit all". Our current education system is focused on not leaving a child behind (testing) or on the common core (self-esteem) and not on the real issues (competence). We cannot fix education by telling all the children to the same thing. Each child learns at a different pace and needs a different type of enviroment. The faster children shouldnt be held back by the slower children. And the slower children shouldnt have their heads in the dirt because the teacher is going to fast for them.
The only "downfall" for this book is that Paul is only addressing 20% of children. He is not giving an overall solution. He is just talking to the top 20%. That does not mean that the top IQ but the top self motivated children and parents. The idea is to self-learn and be prepared for college and life. There is a sort of prediction to where public school will go and how it will eventually fail, but not a solution for the 80%.
Overall a great book that gives solid facts and a clear solution to parents who care about their children's education.
July 27, 2020
Ron Paul really shined a light on the inefficiency of public schools in educating children. I found his prediction, where schools and teachers become obsolete, particularly timely.
November 1, 2018
"The battle for liberty today is best seen institutionally in the battle over the control over education…liberty in education is basic to liberty in every other area of life."
Ron Paul expresses his libertarian views about education in this book. He wants to convince parents to leave the state-controlled, passive education school system and homeschool to build a generation of leaders and informed citizens. Written shortly before the launch of his homeschool curriculum, the book is really a 206-page sell. I don’t mind because we use this curriculum successfully with our slightly less academic teen. I like the high student-as-learner expectations and being able to drastically reduce her college time and cost or bypass it altogether. Educators usually avoid talking about college being a bad idea, but Dr. Paul addresses it head-on. Except for a few specific fields – law, medicine, engineering, and science - college is unnecessary. Learning real-world skills also prepares a teen for the post-school world: creating a blog, making a YouTube video, and weekly then daily writing.
Dr. Paul makes a good case. I appreciate his clear writing, no wasted words or seeking to impress. This makes him easy to read. I will be looking for his other books, starting with Liberty Defined.
November 11, 2016
I almost never award one star to books, but I'm rather angry with "The School Revolution"
I bought the book for legitimate reasons:
1. I have a generally positive impression of Ron Paul as somebody who speaks truth to power
2. All I learned in school was how to quietly (or otherwise) count down 40 minutes
3. My son just started school and I'm giving some serious thought to the idea of home schooling
4. I would not know where to start
I just finished this 205 page book (small pages, wide margins, probably a 150 page book in any other format) and I am none the wiser. This is only tangentially a book about home schooling. It is an advertisement for Ron Paul's forthcoming home schooling curriculum.
I've paid GBP 14.99 to read an advertisement.
The advertising copy reads as follows:
* State school does the bidding of government because government bears the costs and "he who pays the piper calls the tune"
* State school teaches our children to depend on government for help. It does not teach freedom and leadership
* State school addresses the needs of the worst student, it is lowest-common-denominator schooling
* Lecture hall / classroom teaching, which entails students furiously copying from the board, was fine for year 1450, but is now obsolete
* These days, technology allows you to play back taped lectures
* More to the point, technology brings better teaching tools to bear than lectures
* Just as importantly, the Internet has brought down the cost of home schooling to virtually nil
* Relative price adjustments are a powerful agent for change. The Post Office is now visibly doomed. State school will follow
* Even including the opportunity cost of one parent giving up his/her job, all-in it isn't that costly to home school
* ...especially if pupils accumulate through home schooling credits that count toward college.
* Parents should steer clear of schools that lavish attention on their children because this stifles independence
* A coddled student will find himself/herself lost in college. A good home schooling curriculum will emphasize self-learning
* My curriculum will teach your kid how to become a leader and how to think freely
* My curriculum will be complete by year 2015
* Spread the word! Lend this book to a friend, but only for one week. Then lend it to somebody else.
So there's a bunch of ideas here. Some seem exactly right, some I disagree with, while some are conspicuous through their absence.
For example, I cannot agree enough with what Ron Paul has to say about lectures. They are a tragic waste of time. And it is no secret that school was instituted in the UK during the industrial revolution with the express purpose of making it possible for both parents to work a full day. Conversely, there's a bunch of things home schooling will never do. For example, if it wasn't for state school, where exactly would the children of immigrants learn proper English in a country like America that calls itself a melting pot? And the silence of this book on math and science (where in my view our schools fail the most criminally by the standard of this information age) is deafening.
But all of this is beside the point.
My main point is that this book is an advertisement for a product that is not yet for sale. Suppose I pull my kids out of school, put them on Ron Paul's program and next thing you know he changes his mind. Or he gets run over by a bus. Where am I left?
Finish your curriculum, sir, then advertise.
And for goodness' sake, DON'T MAKE ME PAY FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT. If I'm going to pay 15 quid for a book, don't insult me, show me the bloody curriculum. An outline! Something! I am soooo angry. I genuinely want my money back.
I bought the book for legitimate reasons:
1. I have a generally positive impression of Ron Paul as somebody who speaks truth to power
2. All I learned in school was how to quietly (or otherwise) count down 40 minutes
3. My son just started school and I'm giving some serious thought to the idea of home schooling
4. I would not know where to start
I just finished this 205 page book (small pages, wide margins, probably a 150 page book in any other format) and I am none the wiser. This is only tangentially a book about home schooling. It is an advertisement for Ron Paul's forthcoming home schooling curriculum.
I've paid GBP 14.99 to read an advertisement.
The advertising copy reads as follows:
* State school does the bidding of government because government bears the costs and "he who pays the piper calls the tune"
* State school teaches our children to depend on government for help. It does not teach freedom and leadership
* State school addresses the needs of the worst student, it is lowest-common-denominator schooling
* Lecture hall / classroom teaching, which entails students furiously copying from the board, was fine for year 1450, but is now obsolete
* These days, technology allows you to play back taped lectures
* More to the point, technology brings better teaching tools to bear than lectures
* Just as importantly, the Internet has brought down the cost of home schooling to virtually nil
* Relative price adjustments are a powerful agent for change. The Post Office is now visibly doomed. State school will follow
* Even including the opportunity cost of one parent giving up his/her job, all-in it isn't that costly to home school
* ...especially if pupils accumulate through home schooling credits that count toward college.
* Parents should steer clear of schools that lavish attention on their children because this stifles independence
* A coddled student will find himself/herself lost in college. A good home schooling curriculum will emphasize self-learning
* My curriculum will teach your kid how to become a leader and how to think freely
* My curriculum will be complete by year 2015
* Spread the word! Lend this book to a friend, but only for one week. Then lend it to somebody else.
So there's a bunch of ideas here. Some seem exactly right, some I disagree with, while some are conspicuous through their absence.
For example, I cannot agree enough with what Ron Paul has to say about lectures. They are a tragic waste of time. And it is no secret that school was instituted in the UK during the industrial revolution with the express purpose of making it possible for both parents to work a full day. Conversely, there's a bunch of things home schooling will never do. For example, if it wasn't for state school, where exactly would the children of immigrants learn proper English in a country like America that calls itself a melting pot? And the silence of this book on math and science (where in my view our schools fail the most criminally by the standard of this information age) is deafening.
But all of this is beside the point.
My main point is that this book is an advertisement for a product that is not yet for sale. Suppose I pull my kids out of school, put them on Ron Paul's program and next thing you know he changes his mind. Or he gets run over by a bus. Where am I left?
Finish your curriculum, sir, then advertise.
And for goodness' sake, DON'T MAKE ME PAY FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT. If I'm going to pay 15 quid for a book, don't insult me, show me the bloody curriculum. An outline! Something! I am soooo angry. I genuinely want my money back.
April 2, 2014
Another book that leaves me uncertain of how to review it.
I like Ron Paul, I agree with much of what he says in this book. But he's...well...Ron Paul. Much like Glenn Beck, he's so "out there" in some ways that it makes it really hard for people to see past that.
Specific issues I had with the book:
1) His footnotes/citations were entirely web links. How useful is this going to be in even a year? Links change and become obsolete all the time. I would have preferred citations to original sources, and I would have liked more citations. He makes a lot of statements that I agree with, but without actual proof/citation/study to back it up, it's gonna be hard to convince non-believers.
2) He insists that the University of Phoenix is a completely legit means of getting a college degree (really?) and that Wikipedia is a completely legit source of information (again...really?).
3) What really rubbed me wrong was that this book, particularly the last half, appears to be little more than an advertisement for his curriculum. What made this even more irksome is that his curriculum isn't even ready, yet. And frankly, when you go to the curriculum's website, he's pretty snarky about it. He says, "In life, there is always a trade-off between time and money. This portion of the site is free. Therefore, you must pay in the other currency: time. You must wait until September. For some grade levels, you must wait for years. This is the cost of 'free.'" Maybe I'm just too sensitive, but I read this and thought, "Damn. You're pretty bitchy for someone who wants me to turn around and pay for your shit."
My ultimate issue with this book is that he is preaching to the choir. The only people who are going to read and enjoy this are people who already like and agree with Ron Paul.
I like Ron Paul, I agree with much of what he says in this book. But he's...well...Ron Paul. Much like Glenn Beck, he's so "out there" in some ways that it makes it really hard for people to see past that.
Specific issues I had with the book:
1) His footnotes/citations were entirely web links. How useful is this going to be in even a year? Links change and become obsolete all the time. I would have preferred citations to original sources, and I would have liked more citations. He makes a lot of statements that I agree with, but without actual proof/citation/study to back it up, it's gonna be hard to convince non-believers.
2) He insists that the University of Phoenix is a completely legit means of getting a college degree (really?) and that Wikipedia is a completely legit source of information (again...really?).
3) What really rubbed me wrong was that this book, particularly the last half, appears to be little more than an advertisement for his curriculum. What made this even more irksome is that his curriculum isn't even ready, yet. And frankly, when you go to the curriculum's website, he's pretty snarky about it. He says, "In life, there is always a trade-off between time and money. This portion of the site is free. Therefore, you must pay in the other currency: time. You must wait until September. For some grade levels, you must wait for years. This is the cost of 'free.'" Maybe I'm just too sensitive, but I read this and thought, "Damn. You're pretty bitchy for someone who wants me to turn around and pay for your shit."
My ultimate issue with this book is that he is preaching to the choir. The only people who are going to read and enjoy this are people who already like and agree with Ron Paul.
June 9, 2021
Ok so I have a few issues with this book. First, I found it poorly written as I could not tell exactly what his argument was. For a while he was arguing for strictly homeschool, but then he barely glossed over “school entrepreneurs” and private school before moving into his homeschool curriculum (which also seemed poorly thought out). I agree with his opinions on some of the things kids should learn, like reading and writing, leadership and goal setting, etc. However, I am unconvinced that he has ever set foot in a public school, as he seems to believe it’s filled with drug dealers and teachers pushing kids to rely on the welfare state.
The biggest issue I have is probably an issue with the libertarian mindset as a whole: he thinks that there should be no public school and no government regulation of what kids learn. Then, he goes on to say that his plan is only for the top 20% of kids and for upper middle/upper class people. You cannot make an education plan that ignores 80% of students! If there is no regulation of what kids learn at all, that will turn into girls not being education, rural farm kids not being educated, and others not being educated. He places too high of expectations on parents to be extremely involved in their children’s education, when in 2020 we have seen that is not the case.
All in all, I disagreed with his plan due to lack of consideration for all people in the country. I think if it was implemented it would greatly diminish the ability of America to continue to be one of the leading countries in the world. I also think it should have been a better organized argument if he was going to write a book about education.
The biggest issue I have is probably an issue with the libertarian mindset as a whole: he thinks that there should be no public school and no government regulation of what kids learn. Then, he goes on to say that his plan is only for the top 20% of kids and for upper middle/upper class people. You cannot make an education plan that ignores 80% of students! If there is no regulation of what kids learn at all, that will turn into girls not being education, rural farm kids not being educated, and others not being educated. He places too high of expectations on parents to be extremely involved in their children’s education, when in 2020 we have seen that is not the case.
All in all, I disagreed with his plan due to lack of consideration for all people in the country. I think if it was implemented it would greatly diminish the ability of America to continue to be one of the leading countries in the world. I also think it should have been a better organized argument if he was going to write a book about education.
January 8, 2023
Helps you understand Ron Paul's philosophy on home school and what the Ron Paul curriculum looks like
November 17, 2023
Ron Paul's pitch for revolutionizing education is almost simple in its declarative mission. The answer to government's monopoly over public education is for tax-payers to walk away, to allow the system to crumble from the weight of its excessive and unnecessary spending. Technology leads the way; but more important is Ron Paul's freedom philosophy as a guiding force for empowering parents to take responsibility for their child's eduction, namely through homeschooling.
The School Revolution is an ad for the author's video-driven, online curriculum. Somewhat ahead of its time, initiated around 2013, the program stands on several noteworthy pillars, or principals. The business of education should primarily be concerned with teaching students how to teach themselves. Parents and educators should foster self-discipline, self-motivation, and self-instruction.
Elementary-aged students who learn the fundamentals of reading, writing, public speaking, time management, goal-setting, and related skills will develop independence that will serve them well in college, if they choose to go, and in whatever occupation best serves them.
This curriculum isn't for everyone. It's aimed at only the top 20% of students, those who are intellectually mature enough to understand the value of personal sacrifice for future gain. Mastery of the skills put forth in this program gives students a competitive edge among peers, especially as they move into careers and become contributing members of society.
Take Ron Paul's business plan or leave it, The School Revolution lays out an excellent argument for an educational uprising either way. While many of the points made end up being redundant, most of these key concepts are worth repeating. Ron Paul's take is a fresh one in the field; his background in economics and libertarianism offers a unique perspective on the issues parents and students face.
Ultimately, Ron Paul's goal in writing this book and developing his curriculum is to instill an understanding that our educational system, whether at home or in a classroom, whether public or private, whether in-person or online, should serve the purpose of creating leaders and independent thinkers.
The School Revolution is an ad for the author's video-driven, online curriculum. Somewhat ahead of its time, initiated around 2013, the program stands on several noteworthy pillars, or principals. The business of education should primarily be concerned with teaching students how to teach themselves. Parents and educators should foster self-discipline, self-motivation, and self-instruction.
Elementary-aged students who learn the fundamentals of reading, writing, public speaking, time management, goal-setting, and related skills will develop independence that will serve them well in college, if they choose to go, and in whatever occupation best serves them.
This curriculum isn't for everyone. It's aimed at only the top 20% of students, those who are intellectually mature enough to understand the value of personal sacrifice for future gain. Mastery of the skills put forth in this program gives students a competitive edge among peers, especially as they move into careers and become contributing members of society.
Take Ron Paul's business plan or leave it, The School Revolution lays out an excellent argument for an educational uprising either way. While many of the points made end up being redundant, most of these key concepts are worth repeating. Ron Paul's take is a fresh one in the field; his background in economics and libertarianism offers a unique perspective on the issues parents and students face.
Ultimately, Ron Paul's goal in writing this book and developing his curriculum is to instill an understanding that our educational system, whether at home or in a classroom, whether public or private, whether in-person or online, should serve the purpose of creating leaders and independent thinkers.
September 7, 2015
370.973 PAU
CD 370.973 PAU
My review: Very good education book addressing from political point of view. Especially writing in chap 6 Self-instruction, self-motivation, self-evaluation, the essence of self-governed of libertarianism is quite aspiring education ideas. Ron Paul is a physician (deliver babies) became 12-term congressman from Texas and presidential candidate.
Chap 1 Educating for liberty
p19 Liberty is inescapably associated with responsibility.
p20 There can be no extension of liberty without an accompanying extension of personal responsibility.
My review: very good and strong argument of education in liberty. Very worth reading.
Chap 2 Education for leadership
p33 The essence of leadership is not the mobilization of large numbers of people. The essence of leadership is self-mobilization and self-government, opportunities to explain to others why you believe what you believe. (my words: true leadership is to turn inward, to self-perfection, leadership author advocates is very different from the popular view: leadership of the masses )
Chap 6 Self-instruction (very new and challenging idea)
Chap 8 What parents want
p138 The student must become increasing self-educated. The entire academic program should be structured in terms of this process maturity through self-education. Parents tend to neglect this aspect of education, especially in the high school years. They want for their children in high school what they wanted for their children in the primary grades. The want individual attention for them. This is a mistake. --- My review: a very good point. The book mentioned this self-instruction several times.
p139 A student learns more as a teacher than he does as a student. The experience of teaching somebody else is one of the best possible ways to master course material. My review: the author argue tutoring and online forums are best ways to help students to learn, either for students who are tutors or be tutored. I agree. By helping others to learn, try to articulate is the best way to grasp essence.
p140 Schooling is a recruiting process. -- My review: I did not quite agree with author that picking content of curriculum conforming to their first principles. Yes, schooling is a recruiting process. How the parents make sure their worldview is right. Children must be exposed to different kind of worldview of all time.
Chap 9 What students need
Reading; Writing; Public speaking; Digital Media; Academic Research; Time management; Goal-setting; Job vs. calling; Study Habits; Mathematics; Self-pacing; Tutorials
p147 I am convinced that students are probably ready by age of 15 to make the decision what best suits their needs in terms of an academic program. This usually begins no later than the junior year of college.
p160 The older the student is, the less he should become dependent upon teacher in a classroom; Parents of high school students seems to believe that they are doing the students a favor by enrolling them in small classes. This crates a sense of dependency in the academic work of student. This dependency will disappear overnight when the student walks onto a college campus..To enroll a student into a class with a low student-teacher ratio is a real disservice. --- my review:good points.
Chap 11 The Ron Paul Curriculum
. Curriculum must be integrated and coherent (curriculum is self-reinforcing. that is, history course match the English course)
.These must be a common theme: the freedom philosophy
.The best methodology is self-instruction
.Courses should be reinforce each other.
.Students must learn to write and speak in public p184
p174 K-3 aimed at helping the teachers, around 4th grade the program shifted to self-instruction, become self-educated in 6th grade. Curriculum is geared to make this transition from 4th - 6th grade. 4th grade is not entirely based on the principle of self-education.
p173 Target the students in top 20%. Students have to be self-disciplined, self-motivated, not be dependent on parental nagging.
p175 4 tracks: one in social science and humanities one in natural science; 3rd in business, 4th in fine arts
A meaning college course in physics require knowing calculus. The kind of physics taught in typical high school is not really equivalent of a college-level physics class.
p177 Public high schools have abandoned the teaching of history,instead of social studies.(Ron Paul curriculum) has 2 years of western civilization, college a generation ago required students take 1 year western civ.
p178 5 major points of Social theory: God, Man, law, causation, time
http://www.ronpaulcurriculum.com/ (free courses k-5)
Libertarian books
The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich Hayek
Elements of Libertarian Leadership by Leonard E. Read
p48-50 books of Economic libertarian movement
Principles of Economics by Carl Menger
Human Action, Bureaucracy by Ludwig Von Mises
Man, Economy, and Sate by Murray Rothbard
others
Ideas Have Consequences by Richard M. Weaver
What's the Use of Lectures?5th Edition by Donald Bligh
Dedication and Leadership by Douglas Arnold Hyde
Dedication and Leadership Techniques by Douglas Arnold Hyde ( a book of author's curriculum)
The world in the grip of an idea by Clarence Buford Carson
CD 370.973 PAU
My review: Very good education book addressing from political point of view. Especially writing in chap 6 Self-instruction, self-motivation, self-evaluation, the essence of self-governed of libertarianism is quite aspiring education ideas. Ron Paul is a physician (deliver babies) became 12-term congressman from Texas and presidential candidate.
Chap 1 Educating for liberty
p19 Liberty is inescapably associated with responsibility.
p20 There can be no extension of liberty without an accompanying extension of personal responsibility.
My review: very good and strong argument of education in liberty. Very worth reading.
Chap 2 Education for leadership
p33 The essence of leadership is not the mobilization of large numbers of people. The essence of leadership is self-mobilization and self-government, opportunities to explain to others why you believe what you believe. (my words: true leadership is to turn inward, to self-perfection, leadership author advocates is very different from the popular view: leadership of the masses )
Chap 6 Self-instruction (very new and challenging idea)
Chap 8 What parents want
p138 The student must become increasing self-educated. The entire academic program should be structured in terms of this process maturity through self-education. Parents tend to neglect this aspect of education, especially in the high school years. They want for their children in high school what they wanted for their children in the primary grades. The want individual attention for them. This is a mistake. --- My review: a very good point. The book mentioned this self-instruction several times.
p139 A student learns more as a teacher than he does as a student. The experience of teaching somebody else is one of the best possible ways to master course material. My review: the author argue tutoring and online forums are best ways to help students to learn, either for students who are tutors or be tutored. I agree. By helping others to learn, try to articulate is the best way to grasp essence.
p140 Schooling is a recruiting process. -- My review: I did not quite agree with author that picking content of curriculum conforming to their first principles. Yes, schooling is a recruiting process. How the parents make sure their worldview is right. Children must be exposed to different kind of worldview of all time.
Chap 9 What students need
Reading; Writing; Public speaking; Digital Media; Academic Research; Time management; Goal-setting; Job vs. calling; Study Habits; Mathematics; Self-pacing; Tutorials
p147 I am convinced that students are probably ready by age of 15 to make the decision what best suits their needs in terms of an academic program. This usually begins no later than the junior year of college.
p160 The older the student is, the less he should become dependent upon teacher in a classroom; Parents of high school students seems to believe that they are doing the students a favor by enrolling them in small classes. This crates a sense of dependency in the academic work of student. This dependency will disappear overnight when the student walks onto a college campus..To enroll a student into a class with a low student-teacher ratio is a real disservice. --- my review:good points.
Chap 11 The Ron Paul Curriculum
. Curriculum must be integrated and coherent (curriculum is self-reinforcing. that is, history course match the English course)
.These must be a common theme: the freedom philosophy
.The best methodology is self-instruction
.Courses should be reinforce each other.
.Students must learn to write and speak in public p184
p174 K-3 aimed at helping the teachers, around 4th grade the program shifted to self-instruction, become self-educated in 6th grade. Curriculum is geared to make this transition from 4th - 6th grade. 4th grade is not entirely based on the principle of self-education.
p173 Target the students in top 20%. Students have to be self-disciplined, self-motivated, not be dependent on parental nagging.
p175 4 tracks: one in social science and humanities one in natural science; 3rd in business, 4th in fine arts
A meaning college course in physics require knowing calculus. The kind of physics taught in typical high school is not really equivalent of a college-level physics class.
p177 Public high schools have abandoned the teaching of history,instead of social studies.(Ron Paul curriculum) has 2 years of western civilization, college a generation ago required students take 1 year western civ.
p178 5 major points of Social theory: God, Man, law, causation, time
http://www.ronpaulcurriculum.com/ (free courses k-5)
Libertarian books
The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich Hayek
Elements of Libertarian Leadership by Leonard E. Read
p48-50 books of Economic libertarian movement
Principles of Economics by Carl Menger
Human Action, Bureaucracy by Ludwig Von Mises
Man, Economy, and Sate by Murray Rothbard
others
Ideas Have Consequences by Richard M. Weaver
What's the Use of Lectures?5th Edition by Donald Bligh
Dedication and Leadership by Douglas Arnold Hyde
Dedication and Leadership Techniques by Douglas Arnold Hyde ( a book of author's curriculum)
The world in the grip of an idea by Clarence Buford Carson
January 30, 2020
"Liberty in education is basic to liberty in every other area of life," yet so many parents have willingly given the state the responsibility of educating their children, perhaps because they are unaware that they do indeed have a choice in the matter. Should we seek to reform the public school system? Are there viable, affordable alternatives to public education? What about college? How do we raise our children in an environment of both moral and academic excellence? I appreciated Ron Paul's insightful answers to these issues, especially as he delved into the practical aspects of how a curriculum should be structured to encourage self-teaching on the part of the child. I'm giving it four stars instead of five because 1) the book was somewhat repetitive, 2) his emphasis was on teaching limited government, not necessarily a Christian worldview, and 3) I think he might have been a bit idealistic in terms of the number of people that would be willing to pull their children from the public school system. Overall, this was a great book that I would especially recommend to those on the fence about public, private, and homeschool education.
December 1, 2024
An important book for parents. Do I agree with all of Paul's suggestions? No, not ones like avoiding small class sizes (which he asserts will cause students to rely on guides), but no one can say Paul isn't thoughtful. This book can serve as a guide to any parent who wants to play an active role in the education of her children. It discusses the many elements of a curriculum and offers suggestions on how students and parents alike can utilize the Internet and a community for the student's betterment.
March 19, 2021
The School Revolution by Dr. Ron Paul (former Rep.-TX), outlines the fact that the internet is making education nearly free and offering premium quality education along with freedom from the teacher’s unions and administrators who want to control both the funding and the content of what our children are taught. Paul's curriculum and website can be found at https://www.ronpaulcurriculum.com/pub....
February 16, 2017
offers a unique perspective on the educational system in america. would recommend for parents or those looking for options outside of the traditional k-12 system
May 9, 2018
In Aristophanes play The Clouds, the characters gleefully lampoon the brainwashing that occurs under the guise of intellectual fashion to the youth of their age. 2,300 years later, Ron Paul is here to show the futility of state run education and the need for a thorough reform of textbook and curriculum materials.
Contrary to the welfare state mentality infused in tax funded textbooks and classroom, Ron Paul proposes a curriculum that emphasizes liberty and personal responsibility. He states, “a free society acknowledges the authority over education begins with the family.” If parental authority is constantly undermined by the state, then we shouldn’t be surprised when the ideals expressed in the curriculum run contrary to our beliefs.
Ron Paul shows that the free market and use of internet has brought an incredibly diverse array of options to the table when it comes to homeschooling. The curriculum he has developed is all about teaching the student to teach themselves and avoiding costs.
There are four different tracks for students: one specializing in social sciences and humanities, one focusing on natural science, one aimed at students wanting to apprentice with a local business, and one focused on the fine arts.
He recommends internet resources, such as Youtube and Wordpress, as a platform for the student to gain public speaking and writing skills.
With the despairing statistics of college graduates without jobs pertaining to their degree, Dr Paul shows how the model of college itself needs to be revamped and costs need to be eliminated via use of CLEP tests, online universities, etc.
As far as I know, Dr Paul’s curriculum is the first of its kind with a libertarian slant that utilizes the resources of the internet.
Contrary to the welfare state mentality infused in tax funded textbooks and classroom, Ron Paul proposes a curriculum that emphasizes liberty and personal responsibility. He states, “a free society acknowledges the authority over education begins with the family.” If parental authority is constantly undermined by the state, then we shouldn’t be surprised when the ideals expressed in the curriculum run contrary to our beliefs.
Ron Paul shows that the free market and use of internet has brought an incredibly diverse array of options to the table when it comes to homeschooling. The curriculum he has developed is all about teaching the student to teach themselves and avoiding costs.
There are four different tracks for students: one specializing in social sciences and humanities, one focusing on natural science, one aimed at students wanting to apprentice with a local business, and one focused on the fine arts.
He recommends internet resources, such as Youtube and Wordpress, as a platform for the student to gain public speaking and writing skills.
With the despairing statistics of college graduates without jobs pertaining to their degree, Dr Paul shows how the model of college itself needs to be revamped and costs need to be eliminated via use of CLEP tests, online universities, etc.
As far as I know, Dr Paul’s curriculum is the first of its kind with a libertarian slant that utilizes the resources of the internet.
October 12, 2013
The entire book felt like a sophisticated advertising campaign to create market place demand for Paul's anti-Keynesian curriculum. Every chapter ends instructing the reader to learn more by emailing externally. Despite this, Paul does argue convincingly at points that his methodology is desirable particularly when he applies free market principles to education and discusses the egalitarian potential that the internet presents. However, the entire book is attempting to cater to a very specific type of person. Paul laments that the public education system has became a "drug emporium" where students are bullied and information is delivered to merely cater to the lowest common denominator. This affirms the hyperbolic suspicions of middle class conservative parents. Paul essentially favors an individuated, digitized educational system which will destroy interaction on a massive level. Although he favors Socratic dialog and tutorial sessions, he effectively is gleeful about the ways in which intellectual capital is becoming mechanized and calls for more software programs to test examinations. I think this is disastrous, not only for teachers but also students. It's also relatively unsophisticated to presume that the merits of academic information can be determined by a computer. The principle of education that is free online is fantastic but it shouldn't disavow or create a system where teachers are viewed merely as expendable capital for the whims of the private market to buy and sell. Teachers evolve and contribute to their field of study and provide new insights regularly at college level.
I believe he is right to discuss the merits of home schooling and he isn't saying its a panacea, however complete parental autonomy over children is potentially a problem. I think of fundamentalism and bigotry: is it right that parents through daily seminars be allowed to impart anti intellectual barbarism to their children and have it sanctioned and approved under the government? I think children have a right to hear and evaluate differing opinions and ideas about the world. The public education system was conjured to provide a chance for everyone regardless of background and underfunding it even more to favor digitization would only help push 20% of students and hurt the rest who demand intensive and dedicated tuition that parents often cannot provide.
Paul's curriculum is essentially to coat people in the doctrine of liberty and anti-state libertarianism but not have the opposite analysis that would allow the student to think about the ideas in context juxtaposed with opposing thoughts. Paul's beef is that the public school is liberal in its outlook and so he essentially is just trading ideologies with his curriculum to serve a market for parents who want to sow their political identities into their children.
I believe he is right to discuss the merits of home schooling and he isn't saying its a panacea, however complete parental autonomy over children is potentially a problem. I think of fundamentalism and bigotry: is it right that parents through daily seminars be allowed to impart anti intellectual barbarism to their children and have it sanctioned and approved under the government? I think children have a right to hear and evaluate differing opinions and ideas about the world. The public education system was conjured to provide a chance for everyone regardless of background and underfunding it even more to favor digitization would only help push 20% of students and hurt the rest who demand intensive and dedicated tuition that parents often cannot provide.
Paul's curriculum is essentially to coat people in the doctrine of liberty and anti-state libertarianism but not have the opposite analysis that would allow the student to think about the ideas in context juxtaposed with opposing thoughts. Paul's beef is that the public school is liberal in its outlook and so he essentially is just trading ideologies with his curriculum to serve a market for parents who want to sow their political identities into their children.
January 25, 2014
I purchased this book for $23.00 on a whim mainly because I am considering pulling my 2 boys out of Public School at the end of this year. I generally like Ron Paul (wouldn't vote for the guy) and respect his knowledge, experience and his willingness to take a stand and stick to his guns.
I thought this book would be the smoking gun I could refer people to when questioning my thoughts on homeschool. Yes, there were some very highlight worthy moments but, I was so put off by the use of the words "I" and "my" that I had a hard time liking this book.
Paul likes to go on tangents in this book as well as repeat himself over and over. This entire book could have been condensed down to a manifesto (using all of my highlighted paragraphs of course) and I would have been very pleased.
Three stars for the fact that some stats and quotes I have actually repeated and seemed (to the doubters) to be rather educated about Public Education. I'm not throwing the book out either which says something but three stars is still a mighty stretch.
Mostly this book is a platform for Ron Paul and his unfinished Libertarian Curriculum. Every chapter ends in a plea to buy/use his online classes. The funny thing is that his curriculum is still a long way out from completion. Idiotic.
As much as I respect his ideas, the last thing I want for my kids is to be stuck in front of a computer screen all day! I would rather they sit in their school classes all day than be zoned on an electronic interface for hours on end.
I guess I will be going the hands on route with some online classes and give them the best of both worlds.
I was so over Paul's personal agenda 3/4 of the way through that I quickly skimmed through to the end. My very favorite part of this book is page 207 where Ron Paul lists 9 of his favorite websites. 4 carry his own name and 2 are platforms for his politics. I seriously laughed out loud. What an EGO!!!
Bottom line, don't pay full pop for this one....well, unless the freedom movement moves your insides to butterflies and you are part of the reason the Republicans can't win because your Tea Party is taking all our votes and giving the wins to the Dems:)
I thought this book would be the smoking gun I could refer people to when questioning my thoughts on homeschool. Yes, there were some very highlight worthy moments but, I was so put off by the use of the words "I" and "my" that I had a hard time liking this book.
Paul likes to go on tangents in this book as well as repeat himself over and over. This entire book could have been condensed down to a manifesto (using all of my highlighted paragraphs of course) and I would have been very pleased.
Three stars for the fact that some stats and quotes I have actually repeated and seemed (to the doubters) to be rather educated about Public Education. I'm not throwing the book out either which says something but three stars is still a mighty stretch.
Mostly this book is a platform for Ron Paul and his unfinished Libertarian Curriculum. Every chapter ends in a plea to buy/use his online classes. The funny thing is that his curriculum is still a long way out from completion. Idiotic.
As much as I respect his ideas, the last thing I want for my kids is to be stuck in front of a computer screen all day! I would rather they sit in their school classes all day than be zoned on an electronic interface for hours on end.
I guess I will be going the hands on route with some online classes and give them the best of both worlds.
I was so over Paul's personal agenda 3/4 of the way through that I quickly skimmed through to the end. My very favorite part of this book is page 207 where Ron Paul lists 9 of his favorite websites. 4 carry his own name and 2 are platforms for his politics. I seriously laughed out loud. What an EGO!!!
Bottom line, don't pay full pop for this one....well, unless the freedom movement moves your insides to butterflies and you are part of the reason the Republicans can't win because your Tea Party is taking all our votes and giving the wins to the Dems:)
February 19, 2014
I am dumbfounded at the amount if remarks people have made about this book being too much of an advertisement for Ron's curriculum. I often wonder if men of the stature and integrity level of Ron Paul end up slapping their hand to their forehead as they shake their heads in disbelief when they witness the stupidity of us humans endeavoring to climb on the shoulders of giants! I can't help but wonder did they miss one of the most critical points of part one of his book? Let me say this before I move on. Ron is using principal based teaching in this book and then practices what he preaches by putting his words into action. He spent a very eloquent amount of time trying to illustrate what a true leader is: "People who want long-term influence would be wise to cultivate ideas that will have consequences." "The essence of leadership is self-mobilization and self-government and, out of this, opportunities to explain to others what you believe." "If we want other people to believe we are serious, they must be able to see consistency in our lives." "This is what we call word and DEED leadership. It is leadership that walks the talk." If you look at each if these quotes from his book you will see that in creating his curriculum he is being an example of this sort of leadership. Next he explains the essence of true education: "Today as never before in history, it is possible for almost anyone to leave a legacy." "The most important thing is having something to say." "Each person ought to find some area of life in which he can make a contribution, and then DEVOTE himself to making that contribution." "I would like to give them the vision to find their niche in life, and find it early." "A calling is the MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do in which you would be most difficult to replace." So you see, he is simply practicing what he is preaching and those of you that can't get past the fact that he is using his book as an 'advertisement' for his curriculum should consider shifting your paradigms and realize instead that he is leaving his legacy and fulfilling what he calls his vocation and I call his Divinely given personal mission. Just a thought.
April 13, 2018
I listened to about 4.5 out of 5 discs of the audiobook version of this book before finally calling it quits. Some of the thoughts were on par with my own, such as how education seems to be trending toward online, and that that was generally a good idea. There was also some overlap with Salman Khan's The One World Schoolhouse, and Khan Academy was used as an example of a good resource for self-motivated learners. I much preferred Khan's book to this.
Unfortunately, Paul seems to be trapped in a fantasy world of the middle- to upper-class nuclear family. His yet-to-be-created curriculum is geared toward families with two parents who have the means to have one stay at home. As a single parent, I found his recommendations for homeschooling very frustrating, as there is no possible way I would ever be able to homeschool my child. Also (although he does admit his curriculum would be made for the "top 20%" of self-motivated students), picturing how hard it is to get my son to do any homework of any kind, is enough for me to know that he would not thrive in a homeschool environment.
What made me finally give up is the fact that his staff is still developing a curriculum and I was tired of hearing about what it would be like. I think this book would have been less frustrating if the curriculum was not only ready, but was being used to some success. It's fine to have grand expectations of what seems on the surface to be well researched and developed but I've lived in the real world too long to know that things never go as planned, and I'd never write a book talking about how my plans to become a thin, famous millionaire are sure to be complete by 2020.
Also, the narrator's reading was driving me crazy. If I had to hear him say the word "parent" one more time I think I would have thrown the whole CD set out the car window, then run over it forward and back 10,000 times - one for each "parent" I had to suffer through.
Unfortunately, Paul seems to be trapped in a fantasy world of the middle- to upper-class nuclear family. His yet-to-be-created curriculum is geared toward families with two parents who have the means to have one stay at home. As a single parent, I found his recommendations for homeschooling very frustrating, as there is no possible way I would ever be able to homeschool my child. Also (although he does admit his curriculum would be made for the "top 20%" of self-motivated students), picturing how hard it is to get my son to do any homework of any kind, is enough for me to know that he would not thrive in a homeschool environment.
What made me finally give up is the fact that his staff is still developing a curriculum and I was tired of hearing about what it would be like. I think this book would have been less frustrating if the curriculum was not only ready, but was being used to some success. It's fine to have grand expectations of what seems on the surface to be well researched and developed but I've lived in the real world too long to know that things never go as planned, and I'd never write a book talking about how my plans to become a thin, famous millionaire are sure to be complete by 2020.
Also, the narrator's reading was driving me crazy. If I had to hear him say the word "parent" one more time I think I would have thrown the whole CD set out the car window, then run over it forward and back 10,000 times - one for each "parent" I had to suffer through.
September 4, 2019
I want to start by saying I thought I liked Ron Paul as a politician when I started reading this book. I'm also glad I read the last chapter as soon as the first chapter mentioned it, because it was then that I realized the entire book is a pitch for Ron Paul's homeschool curriculum. I'm glad I didn't pay $20 for this book like some of the other reviewers apparently did. I bought my copy at the Dollar Tree, so I didn't have to spend the rest of the time reading it being bitter about that. Nevertheless, I was unimpressed.
Paul blatantly says it's his goal to create libertarian leaders out of the students who enroll in his homeschool curriculum. He endeavors to teach them what to think. Personally, I'm not a proponent of brainwashing and would rather people be taught *how* to think, yet I continued to read.
Despite advocating for persuasive writing, Paul's arguments were flimsy at best. He references public schools as "the equivalent of drug emporiums," where a student's only other major worries are bullying and liberal teachers. He does not clarify what public schools he's been inside other than the one in which he was enrolled as a child outside Pittsburgh, but it certainly wasn't representative of my experience.
There were a few good "follow the money"-type tips throughout the book, and I will always appreciate on one level or another an encouragement for parents to always do what they feel truly is in their child's best interest, but I suspect those things can be better obtained through other sources for a far better money value unless you also pick up your copy from the Dollar Tree or your local library.
Paul blatantly says it's his goal to create libertarian leaders out of the students who enroll in his homeschool curriculum. He endeavors to teach them what to think. Personally, I'm not a proponent of brainwashing and would rather people be taught *how* to think, yet I continued to read.
Despite advocating for persuasive writing, Paul's arguments were flimsy at best. He references public schools as "the equivalent of drug emporiums," where a student's only other major worries are bullying and liberal teachers. He does not clarify what public schools he's been inside other than the one in which he was enrolled as a child outside Pittsburgh, but it certainly wasn't representative of my experience.
There were a few good "follow the money"-type tips throughout the book, and I will always appreciate on one level or another an encouragement for parents to always do what they feel truly is in their child's best interest, but I suspect those things can be better obtained through other sources for a far better money value unless you also pick up your copy from the Dollar Tree or your local library.
May 16, 2015
Excellent book. I agree with his premise that the schools need an overhaul and one of the best ways to do it is to bring the kids home. He seems to love the internet which I found assuming and eye opening. He gave some great tips for ways to use the Internet with homeschool, and I will be using his YouTube ideas for my scholars. His views on YouTube and blogging were something I needed without realizing it. He believes all of these things will be available to all for 100 years or more. I realized I had actually been living with the mindset that it will all disappear at a moments notice.
What I didn't like was he tended to repeat himself. His intentions to change education still has a conveyor belt mentality. While he doesn't seem to love the "system" or the aristocracy of those in the decision making process regarding it, his solutions had some holes in it to fix it and for his thinking all roads lead to college...which is all the same system. A leadership, a Christ based leadership education is what is needed. More Unschooling than what we have today is needed. His suggestions sometimes lean this way, but then contradict themselves.
All in all, it's a good book and one I'll refer to again.
What I didn't like was he tended to repeat himself. His intentions to change education still has a conveyor belt mentality. While he doesn't seem to love the "system" or the aristocracy of those in the decision making process regarding it, his solutions had some holes in it to fix it and for his thinking all roads lead to college...which is all the same system. A leadership, a Christ based leadership education is what is needed. More Unschooling than what we have today is needed. His suggestions sometimes lean this way, but then contradict themselves.
All in all, it's a good book and one I'll refer to again.
January 16, 2014
This is a fast read all parents and students should consider. Dr. Paul's book is a good start. I just wish he went into detail about these two points I make below.
I wish Dr. Paul would have mentioned vocational schools. People I went to high school with that went down this route are doing great now. So these are a great option for kids. On the other hand the kids that went to college are knee deep in debt and working in jobs they could have gotten right out of high school.
Also college itself seems like such a waste anymore. People can learn on their own or on the job and then prove themselves in interviews or trial work periods. It you want to start your own business there is no reason at all to go to college. Take that $100,000 and use it on the business instead of handing it over to lazy administrators that will hand you a fancy piece of toilet paper four years later.
I wish Dr. Paul would have mentioned vocational schools. People I went to high school with that went down this route are doing great now. So these are a great option for kids. On the other hand the kids that went to college are knee deep in debt and working in jobs they could have gotten right out of high school.
Also college itself seems like such a waste anymore. People can learn on their own or on the job and then prove themselves in interviews or trial work periods. It you want to start your own business there is no reason at all to go to college. Take that $100,000 and use it on the business instead of handing it over to lazy administrators that will hand you a fancy piece of toilet paper four years later.
July 1, 2015
As a homeschool teacher, I was really interested in reading about Ron Paul's views on the broken public education system and how he thought homeschooling could be implemented to fix these problems. (I admire Ron Paul's constant defense of liberty!) He briefly touched on the broken system and listed some pros to homeschooling. I was disappointed that it wasn't more in-depth. Really he just scratched the surface. He wrote a lot on his ideal homeschool curriculum... but I think most homeschool teachers have already settled into their nitch, so it really didn't fit the bill for my expectations. I was looking more to read a history of the system, where it went wrong, and a good defense for homeschooling addressing these issues. It was a bit lackluster in that department. Overall... This book seemed more to encourage those who 'may' be thinking about homeschooling and gives them suggestions for what to include in a curriculum. (Mostly high-school level suggestions.)
June 11, 2023
Paul, Ron: The School Revolution. A New Answer for Our Broken Education System (2013, Grand Central Publishing, 206 s.)
Pitkän linjan libertaari ja kongressiedustaja Ron Paul päätti kirjoittaa suunsa puhtaaksi Yhdysvaltain koulutusjärjestelmän rappiosta, mutta kirjan viesti koskee käytännössä koko maailmaa, koska koulutus on pääsääntöisesti valtiovetoista. Kirjan pääasiallinen teesi on se, että verorahoitteiset (julkiset) oppilaitokset ovat epäonnistuneet, ne ovat moraalittomia, ovat turvattomia ja heikentävät nuorten oppimista. Sen vuoksi kirjailija peräänkuuluttaa oppijärjestelmän totaalista uudistamista, joka ei perustu valtiojohtoisuuteen, vaan markkinatalouteen. Kirjailija haluaa, että vanhemmat saavat itse valita markkinoilta parhaimmat koulutustoimijat sen sijaan, että valtio sanelee yhden opetussuunnitelman, jota kaikkien on pakko noudattaa yksilöiden erilaisuudesta (ja lahjakkuudesta) riippumatta.
Kerrontatyyli on selkeää. Toiston määrä on siedettävissä. Kirjan lukeminen ei vaadi tietomäärää politiikasta tai libertarismista, vaikkakin viittauksia Yhdysvaltain poliittiseen historiaan löytyy. Kirjan tarkoituksena onkin nimenomaan puhutella tavallisia ihmisiä, jotka ottavat vastuun vakavasti ja oikeasti haluavat miettiä vaihtoehtoja.
Kirjailija tuo esiin, kuinka internet-aikakaudella tietoa on lähes loputtomasti saatavilla verkosta, minkä vuoksi opetus voi tapahtua paikkariippumattomasti ja ilman keskusjohtoisuutta. Markkinaehtoinen opetus muodostuu räätälöidyistä oppikokonaisuuksista, jotka rakennetaan yksilölle eikä ihmismassalle. Jos esimerkiksi oppilas osoittaa lahjakkuutta ja kiinnostusta kielissä, hänen opetussuunnitelmaansa räätälöidään tukemaan näitä taitoja. Valtion monopoli loppututkintojen myöntämisessä on siis perusteeton, koska markkinoilla on kyky luoda sertifikaattijärjestelmä, jolla varmistetaan opetuksen taso ja mahdollistetaan palveluntarjoajien vertailu.
Vapaus ei ole itsestäänselvyys. Jos se olisi, maailmassa ei olisi tyranneja eikä epärationaalista käyttäytymistä, ja yhdessäkään parlamentissa ei olisi sosialismia, koska ihmiset äänestäisivät automaationa vapauden puolesta. Koska vapaus on abstraktio, se vaatii käsitteellistä ajattelua, mikä puolestaan vaatii ihmisten opettamista, jotta ihmiset ymmärtävät vapauden syy-seuraussuhteet. Tästä puolestaan syntyy selitys, miksi vapaus on moraalisempi vaihtoehto kuin ei-vapaus (orjuus, tyrannia). Kirjailija kertoilee teoksen alussa paljon omasta henkilökohtaisesta taustastaan sekä uskomuksesta, että yksilöiden tulee johtaa oman esimerkin voimalla, jotta argumentaatio olisi uskottavampaa. Tähän elämänohjeeseen on helppo samaistua, sillä esimerkin voima on ratkaiseva tekipä mitä hyvänsä. Vaikkakin vapaus saa paljon palstatilaa, filosofinen keskustelu pysyy kuitenkin hyvin yleisellä tasolla. Kirjailija kuitenkin on tehnyt elämässään pitkän kiertueen konservatiivi- ja libertarismipiireissä, joten hänellä olisi ollut hyvät edellytykset kirjoittaa perinpohjaisemmin ja selittää, miksi vapaus on parasta ihmiselle.
Hyviä pointteja tulee kylläkin siellä täällä, mutta tarinoinnin ohessa olisi mielellään nähnyt selkeän koosteen. Eli konkreettisesti listaus hyödyistä, mitä vapaus tuottaa ihmisille. Näitähän olisi vaikka kuinka paljon listattavaksi. Koulujärjestelmän markkinaehtoistaminen tulee tarkoittamaan turhan hömpän leikkaamista pois opetussuunnitelmista, mikä edelleen tarkoittaa lyhyempiä valmistumisaikoja sekä vähemmän ylikouluttautumista, joka on nykyisen verorahoitteisen opetusjärjestelmän valuvika. Näistä seurauksista hyötyy jokainen kuluttaja (perhe), koska opetuksen hinta tulee alaspäin ja opetuksesta tulee tehokkaampaa. Samalla nuoret pääsevät nopeammin työelämään kiinni eivätkä ole keinotekoisesti vuosikausia "koulutusputkessa". Toki edellä kuvattu muutos harmittaa etujärjestöjä, joiden intressinä on ylläpitää vuosikymmenten aikana saatua valta-asemaa sekä privilegioita (korkeat palkat, työehdot, lainsäädännöllinen tutkintomonopoli, konkurssisuoja).
Vaikka kirjailija sanoo, että hänen kotiopetus soveltuu vain noin 20 % oppilaista, se ei tarkoita, etteikö hänen ideansa markkinaehtoisuudesta palvelisi kaikkea. Hänen opetussuunnitelmansa ei ole tietenkään ainoa, joka markkinoilla voisi toimia. Erilaisia opiskelijoita varten syntyy erilaisia opetussuunnitelmia, joilla huomioidaan yksilöidenväliset erot. Aivan kuten autoja on erilaisia, myös kouluja voi olla erilaisia.
Kirjasta jäi uupumaan klassiset vasta-argumentit, joita olisi syytä käsitellä enemmänkin tämän kaltaisessa teoksessa. Esimerkiksi:
* "Entä, jos vanhemmat eivät halua kasvattaa lastaan?".
--> Tämä mahdollista jo nyt, ja moderni järjestelmä kannustaa siihen, koska kasvatusvastuun voi ulkoistaa koululle.
* "Entä, jos vanhemmat tekevät huonoja valintoja lapsen kannalta?"
--> Tämäkin on mahdollista jo nyt, koska ihmiset ovat erehtyväisiä. Aikuisia ihmisiä ei kuitenkaan pidä paapoa, vaan heidän tulee tehdä omat valintansa.
* "Kuka takaa opetuksen laadun, ellei valtio valvo?"
--> No, kuka takaa palvelun laadun ruokalassa, kaupassa, huvipuistossa tai verkkokaupassa? Kuluttajat tietenkin, ja heidän valinnat pakottavat palveluntarjoajat jatkuvasti kehittämään palvelua.
* "Koulutus maksaisi maltaita verrattuna nykyiseen!"
--> Kuinka paljon se maksaa nyt? Opetuksen todellista hintalappua ei tiedä kukaan, koska kustannukset on piilotettu eri hallintokuntien budjetteihin. Markkinaehtoisuus tuo läpinäkyvyyden hinnoitteluun. Nyt läpinäkyvyyttä ei ole.
Yhteenveto
Pohjatyöt on tehty hyvin. Tässä annetaan vakuuttava selitys sille, miksi vanhempien tulee kantaa vastuu lapsistaan eikä ulkoistaa sitä byrokraateille. Täysiä pisteitä kirjalle ei kuitenkaan voi antaa, koska kyseessä on kuitenkin suhteellisen lyhyt kirja aiheesta. Tarkempi taustoitus vapauden filosofiaan ja koulutusjärjestelmän historiaan sekä konkreettisemmat ehdotukset opetusuunnitelman sisältöön olisivat siivittäneet tämän kirjan viiden tähden sarjaan.
Arvosana: 4/5
Pitkän linjan libertaari ja kongressiedustaja Ron Paul päätti kirjoittaa suunsa puhtaaksi Yhdysvaltain koulutusjärjestelmän rappiosta, mutta kirjan viesti koskee käytännössä koko maailmaa, koska koulutus on pääsääntöisesti valtiovetoista. Kirjan pääasiallinen teesi on se, että verorahoitteiset (julkiset) oppilaitokset ovat epäonnistuneet, ne ovat moraalittomia, ovat turvattomia ja heikentävät nuorten oppimista. Sen vuoksi kirjailija peräänkuuluttaa oppijärjestelmän totaalista uudistamista, joka ei perustu valtiojohtoisuuteen, vaan markkinatalouteen. Kirjailija haluaa, että vanhemmat saavat itse valita markkinoilta parhaimmat koulutustoimijat sen sijaan, että valtio sanelee yhden opetussuunnitelman, jota kaikkien on pakko noudattaa yksilöiden erilaisuudesta (ja lahjakkuudesta) riippumatta.
Kerrontatyyli on selkeää. Toiston määrä on siedettävissä. Kirjan lukeminen ei vaadi tietomäärää politiikasta tai libertarismista, vaikkakin viittauksia Yhdysvaltain poliittiseen historiaan löytyy. Kirjan tarkoituksena onkin nimenomaan puhutella tavallisia ihmisiä, jotka ottavat vastuun vakavasti ja oikeasti haluavat miettiä vaihtoehtoja.
Kirjailija tuo esiin, kuinka internet-aikakaudella tietoa on lähes loputtomasti saatavilla verkosta, minkä vuoksi opetus voi tapahtua paikkariippumattomasti ja ilman keskusjohtoisuutta. Markkinaehtoinen opetus muodostuu räätälöidyistä oppikokonaisuuksista, jotka rakennetaan yksilölle eikä ihmismassalle. Jos esimerkiksi oppilas osoittaa lahjakkuutta ja kiinnostusta kielissä, hänen opetussuunnitelmaansa räätälöidään tukemaan näitä taitoja. Valtion monopoli loppututkintojen myöntämisessä on siis perusteeton, koska markkinoilla on kyky luoda sertifikaattijärjestelmä, jolla varmistetaan opetuksen taso ja mahdollistetaan palveluntarjoajien vertailu.
Vapaus ei ole itsestäänselvyys. Jos se olisi, maailmassa ei olisi tyranneja eikä epärationaalista käyttäytymistä, ja yhdessäkään parlamentissa ei olisi sosialismia, koska ihmiset äänestäisivät automaationa vapauden puolesta. Koska vapaus on abstraktio, se vaatii käsitteellistä ajattelua, mikä puolestaan vaatii ihmisten opettamista, jotta ihmiset ymmärtävät vapauden syy-seuraussuhteet. Tästä puolestaan syntyy selitys, miksi vapaus on moraalisempi vaihtoehto kuin ei-vapaus (orjuus, tyrannia). Kirjailija kertoilee teoksen alussa paljon omasta henkilökohtaisesta taustastaan sekä uskomuksesta, että yksilöiden tulee johtaa oman esimerkin voimalla, jotta argumentaatio olisi uskottavampaa. Tähän elämänohjeeseen on helppo samaistua, sillä esimerkin voima on ratkaiseva tekipä mitä hyvänsä. Vaikkakin vapaus saa paljon palstatilaa, filosofinen keskustelu pysyy kuitenkin hyvin yleisellä tasolla. Kirjailija kuitenkin on tehnyt elämässään pitkän kiertueen konservatiivi- ja libertarismipiireissä, joten hänellä olisi ollut hyvät edellytykset kirjoittaa perinpohjaisemmin ja selittää, miksi vapaus on parasta ihmiselle.
Hyviä pointteja tulee kylläkin siellä täällä, mutta tarinoinnin ohessa olisi mielellään nähnyt selkeän koosteen. Eli konkreettisesti listaus hyödyistä, mitä vapaus tuottaa ihmisille. Näitähän olisi vaikka kuinka paljon listattavaksi. Koulujärjestelmän markkinaehtoistaminen tulee tarkoittamaan turhan hömpän leikkaamista pois opetussuunnitelmista, mikä edelleen tarkoittaa lyhyempiä valmistumisaikoja sekä vähemmän ylikouluttautumista, joka on nykyisen verorahoitteisen opetusjärjestelmän valuvika. Näistä seurauksista hyötyy jokainen kuluttaja (perhe), koska opetuksen hinta tulee alaspäin ja opetuksesta tulee tehokkaampaa. Samalla nuoret pääsevät nopeammin työelämään kiinni eivätkä ole keinotekoisesti vuosikausia "koulutusputkessa". Toki edellä kuvattu muutos harmittaa etujärjestöjä, joiden intressinä on ylläpitää vuosikymmenten aikana saatua valta-asemaa sekä privilegioita (korkeat palkat, työehdot, lainsäädännöllinen tutkintomonopoli, konkurssisuoja).
Vaikka kirjailija sanoo, että hänen kotiopetus soveltuu vain noin 20 % oppilaista, se ei tarkoita, etteikö hänen ideansa markkinaehtoisuudesta palvelisi kaikkea. Hänen opetussuunnitelmansa ei ole tietenkään ainoa, joka markkinoilla voisi toimia. Erilaisia opiskelijoita varten syntyy erilaisia opetussuunnitelmia, joilla huomioidaan yksilöidenväliset erot. Aivan kuten autoja on erilaisia, myös kouluja voi olla erilaisia.
Kirjasta jäi uupumaan klassiset vasta-argumentit, joita olisi syytä käsitellä enemmänkin tämän kaltaisessa teoksessa. Esimerkiksi:
* "Entä, jos vanhemmat eivät halua kasvattaa lastaan?".
--> Tämä mahdollista jo nyt, ja moderni järjestelmä kannustaa siihen, koska kasvatusvastuun voi ulkoistaa koululle.
* "Entä, jos vanhemmat tekevät huonoja valintoja lapsen kannalta?"
--> Tämäkin on mahdollista jo nyt, koska ihmiset ovat erehtyväisiä. Aikuisia ihmisiä ei kuitenkaan pidä paapoa, vaan heidän tulee tehdä omat valintansa.
* "Kuka takaa opetuksen laadun, ellei valtio valvo?"
--> No, kuka takaa palvelun laadun ruokalassa, kaupassa, huvipuistossa tai verkkokaupassa? Kuluttajat tietenkin, ja heidän valinnat pakottavat palveluntarjoajat jatkuvasti kehittämään palvelua.
* "Koulutus maksaisi maltaita verrattuna nykyiseen!"
--> Kuinka paljon se maksaa nyt? Opetuksen todellista hintalappua ei tiedä kukaan, koska kustannukset on piilotettu eri hallintokuntien budjetteihin. Markkinaehtoisuus tuo läpinäkyvyyden hinnoitteluun. Nyt läpinäkyvyyttä ei ole.
Yhteenveto
Pohjatyöt on tehty hyvin. Tässä annetaan vakuuttava selitys sille, miksi vanhempien tulee kantaa vastuu lapsistaan eikä ulkoistaa sitä byrokraateille. Täysiä pisteitä kirjalle ei kuitenkaan voi antaa, koska kyseessä on kuitenkin suhteellisen lyhyt kirja aiheesta. Tarkempi taustoitus vapauden filosofiaan ja koulutusjärjestelmän historiaan sekä konkreettisemmat ehdotukset opetusuunnitelman sisältöön olisivat siivittäneet tämän kirjan viiden tähden sarjaan.
Arvosana: 4/5
October 15, 2013
This book goes into detail on the skills a student should acquire to enter the workforce and to be a productive member of society.
Learning public speaking, effective reading, writing, self discipline, time management. Basically the skills an employer would look for in an employee.
Homeschooling is definitely something all parents should look into. If you're not able to strictly homeschool, at the very least supplement your child's public or private education with home instruction. The time of blindly handing our kids to an institution and hoping that they come out prepared, are over. The meaningful reform that needs to happen will never come.
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATION AND ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT!
Learning public speaking, effective reading, writing, self discipline, time management. Basically the skills an employer would look for in an employee.
Homeschooling is definitely something all parents should look into. If you're not able to strictly homeschool, at the very least supplement your child's public or private education with home instruction. The time of blindly handing our kids to an institution and hoping that they come out prepared, are over. The meaningful reform that needs to happen will never come.
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATION AND ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT!
March 5, 2016
Seriously, any parent with school-aged kids should read or listen to this short book. It explains the severe faults of tax funded school systems and their teaching methods from elementary through college. It also explains the many benefits of home schooling as well as the options for it available today - and in the near future. Ron Paul also goes into detail about his own home schooling curriculum and other free formal schooling resources. For anyone with doubts about home/online schooling...Harvard, MIT, UCLA and many others have started doing the same. If its good enough for them...
January 21, 2014
I can't say that this was a poorly written book, I just don't see the recommendations as being the practical answer to our broken educational system.
Paul strongly supports home schooling, which really isn't practical for many people. I think further on-line courses will find the way into school use, but part of his book is a suggestion that we obtain the upcoming curriculum he's developing. Some of his points are interesting, but I don't see anything coming from his suggestions.
Paul strongly supports home schooling, which really isn't practical for many people. I think further on-line courses will find the way into school use, but part of his book is a suggestion that we obtain the upcoming curriculum he's developing. Some of his points are interesting, but I don't see anything coming from his suggestions.
October 5, 2013
Seems haphazardly written and repetitive. At times, too much of a commercial for his curriculum.
But overall, still replete with lucid points about homeschooling. Some have criticized undeservingly for saying his system only works for the top 20% of students. He said his curriculum is written for that. His recommendation of homeschooling extends to all.
But overall, still replete with lucid points about homeschooling. Some have criticized undeservingly for saying his system only works for the top 20% of students. He said his curriculum is written for that. His recommendation of homeschooling extends to all.
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