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School is Dead: An Essay on Alternatives in Education is a book written by Everett Reimer, published in 1971. In this work, the author critically examines the educational system and proposes an alternative vision for education. The book has been translated into several languages, including French, German, Spanish, and Italian.

Overview

Reimer challenges conventional education methods in School is Dead and advocates for a more student-centered and flexible approach. He argues that the traditional school system, which emphasizes standardized curriculum, grading, and hierarchical structure, is outdated and does not effectively address the diverse needs of students.

According to Reimer, genuine learning occurs beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. He encourages a shift towards alternative forms of education that acknowledge and nurture individual talents and interests. Reimer promotes the idea that education should be a lifelong, self-directed process, and he suggests that the rigid structure of schools hinders creativity and personal development.

Critics argue that Reimer's vision for alternative education is utopian and impractical in the real world. They claim he overlooks the value of structured learning and oversimplifies complex issues like social inequality. The lack of specific alternatives with clear details in his proposals is also criticized. Published in 1971, the book's historical context is emphasized, with critics noting that some arguments may not be relevant today due to changes in educational practices and society.

While School is Dead may be considered provocative and controversial, it has influenced discussions on education reform and alternative learning approaches. Reimer's work has contributed to ongoing debates about the best ways to prepare individuals for the challenges of the modern world. It's important to note that opinions on Reimer's ideas vary, and the book remains a topic of discussion within educational circles.

See also

• Antipedagogy
• Criticism of schooling
• Anarchism and education

References

1. Wagschal, H. (1 September 1972). "SCHOOL IS DEAD (Author: Everett Reimer)". McGill Journal of Education / Revue des sciences de l'éducation de McGill. 7 (2). ISSN 1916-0666.
2. Reimer, Everett (1972). Mort de l'ecole:Solutions de rechange (in French).
3. Reimer, Everett (1972). Schafft die Schule ab!: Befreiung aus der Lernmaschine (in German). Rowohlt. ISBN 978-3-499-16795-9.
4. Reimer, Everett (1973). La escuela ha muerto. Alternativas en materia de educación. Barral Editores. ISBN 978-84-211-0262-6.
5. Reimer, Everett (1973). La scuola e' morta (in Italian). Armando.
6. King, Edmund (1972). Illich, Ivan; Reimer, Everett (eds.). "The Deschooling Crusade: A Comparative Review Essay". International Review of Education. 18 (2): 238–243. doi:10.1007/BF01450289. ISSN 0020-8566. JSTOR 3443425.
7. Prescott, Bill (1973). "Review of Deschooling Society; School is Dead; Compulsory Miseducation; The Underachieving School". Instructional Science. 2 (2): 235–240. ISSN 0020-4277. JSTOR 23368005.
8. Grace, André P.; Rocco, Tonette S. (2 June 2009). Challenging the Professionalization of Adult Education: John Ohliger and Contradictions in Modern Practice. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 25, 34, 192. ISBN 978-0-7879-7827-3.
9. Barrow, Robin (16 May 2012). Radical Education (RLE Edu K): A Critique of Freeschooling and Deschooling. Routledge. p. 127. ISBN 978-1-136-49467-3.
10. Srivastava, Monica Tomar D. S. (2005). Secondary Education. Gyan Publishing House. p. 149. ISBN 978-81-8205-162-1.
11. Carbonnier, Gilles; Carton, Michel; King, Kenneth (2014), Carbonnier, Gilles; Carton, Michel; King, Kenneth (eds.), "International Education and Development: Histories, Parallels, Crossroads", Education, Learning, Training, Critical Issues for Development, Brill, pp. 3–26, JSTOR 10.1163/j.ctt1w76wjj.9, retrieved 17 February 2024

Further reading

• Prescott, Bill (1973). "Review of Deschooling Society; School is Dead; Compulsory Miseducation; The Underachieving School". Instructional Science. 2 (2): 235–240. ISSN 0020-4277. JSTOR 23368005.
• De Gisors, Hélène (1973). "Reimer (Everett). — Mort de l'école. Solutions de rechange". Revue française de pédagogie (in French). 24 (1): 73–78.
• Hegener, H. (15 July 2006). "Homeschooling Magazine Editorial". Archived from the original on 15 July 2006. Retrieved 18 April 2024.

External links

• School is Dead in the Internet Archive

• 1971 non-fiction books
• Works about schools