Keen On America Old School Principles for the New Century: What if the Right isn't Wrong about Education?
Jan 9, 2026
James Traub, a journalist and author focused on democracy and education, shares insights from his extensive visits to American high schools. He questions traditional narratives, asserting that schools can strengthen democracy through critical thinking, rather than moral dogma. Traub advocates for a return to classical education, emphasizing deep texts over screens and identity politics. He discusses the challenges of nationalism against liberal values and the importance of teaching civic memory to prepare students for thoughtful engagement in contemporary politics.
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Liberal Politics, Traditional Pedagogy
- Traub, a political liberal, finds himself educationally traditional and values higher academic expectations.
- He argues many public schools lower expectations, producing weak discussion and limited reading and vocabulary skills.
Classical School Immersion
- James Traub spent a week at a suburban Dallas classical school and observed its practices firsthand.
- He saw Latin, Homer, pen-and-paper work, uniforms, and few screens shaping a disciplined, idea-focused environment.
Demand Purposeful Memorization
- Favor pedagogical rigor over child-led approaches when it undercuts core knowledge acquisition.
- Require memorization connected to purpose and discussion so students willingly retain facts and ideas.
