Who's Write and Who's Wrong

In “School is Bad for Children”, John Holt states Children are smarter, more respectable and independent than they will ever be in their lives, before stepping through the door of the school building. Holt’s essay is a very direct view of the educational system. Though some of his statements may be true, about the hindering of children through the educational process, he is blinded by his own negative experience. Holt cannot see the many benefits of the educational system. My own expense was quite different than John Holt’s, and I personally cannot agree with most of his statements.
John Holt’s statement about teacher’s making the children feel worthless, confused and uncertain, is a true fact for some children. I, as a matter of fact, did have one teacher who almost ruined my positive learning expense. Mrs. Anderson was my fifth grade teacher. She was rude, demeaning, and harsh. She took a personal interest in me and made my life a living hell. I wasn’t allowed to go to lunch most of the time and she found reasons to keep me after class to “tutor” me. Mainly all she wanted me to do was write lines on the chalk board that said “I am always wrong and Mrs. Anderson is always right”. This did not turn me into a drug using criminal living on the streets, as John Holt states. As I moved up in the educational system my experience got better!
Some of my teachers weren’t that great through middle school and high school. They were just boring, lifeless, and worn out. But I was never told my curiosity was a crime. The teachers loved when the children in my class asked questions. It meant we were paying attention! Maybe John Holt should have taken an art class because that’s really where I learned how to be independent and curious. Art made you think for yourself “what should I draw?” or “how do I think this should look?” You never could be wrong in the class because it was your art work.
Being present in class was a must. How could you learn if you weren’t their? John Holt claims that if the educational board made school optional, it would make it easier on the teachers and students who want to learn. I disagree; education is a privilege and should be treated as such. After high school is when you can make the choice: whether or not you want to continue your education. Mandatory attendance is an unpleasant part of the system of education. I will agree with John on this statement. But this doesn’t mean we should be letting children run amuck and doing as they please.
John Holt made some great points in his essay about his flaws in the educational system. But his one sided argument only proves that he cannot see past his own past experience and see the benefits of the now improved educational system. I wish John had a more positive experience, so he could see all the great things about education.