Astral Codex Ten Podcast
Book Review: The Cult Of Smart
Feb 20, 2021
Freddie DeBoer challenges the narrative of failing education in America in 'The Cult Of Smart'. He argues that education isn't declining, race and gender gaps are stable or decreasing. Critiques tough education reforms and advocates for reevaluation of meritocracy. Explores universal pre-K benefits and critiques traditional schooling system for limiting freedom and creativity.
52:41
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Quick takeaways
- American education challenges common narratives of decline, with students matching or outperforming peers from past decades.
- Intelligence gaps are primarily genetic, not environmental, debunking the notion of education as the sole factor in academic success.
Deep dives
Debunking Education Reform Myths
American education, as depicted by De Boer, challenges common narratives of declining standards. The supposed failures and achievement gaps are rebutted, arguing that students match or outperform peers from past decades. The deceptive nature of education reforms like Common Core and charter schools is highlighted, showing how improvements are often based on lowered standards and selective student intake.
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