Sometimes the most brilliant and intelligent minds do not shine in standardized tests because they do not have standardized minds.
Diane RavitchRead
Unless the schools provide our children with a vision of human possibility that enlightens and empowers them with knowledge and taste, they will simply play their role in someone else's marketing schemes. Unless they understand deeply the sources of our democracy, they will take it for granted and fail to exercise their rights and responsibilities.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Education should empower children with knowledge and understanding of democracy to fully exercise their rights.
Diane Ravitch emphasizes the critical role of education in shaping the future of children. Without a strong educational foundation that inspires a vision of human potential and imparts essential knowledge, children risk becoming mere participants in external agendas, lacking awareness of the importance of their rights and responsibilities in a democratic society. It highlights the necessity for schools to nurture critical thinking and civic engagement, so that students can actively contribute to their communities and uphold democratic values.
Themes
EducationDemocracyEmpowermentRightsKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for educational reform, one might use this quote to underscore the importance of a curriculum that promotes democratic values.
More from Diane Ravitch
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What should we think of someone who never admits error, never entertains doubt but adheres unflinchingly to the same ideas all his life, regardless of new evidence? Doubt and skepticism are signs of rationality. When we are too certain of our opinions, we run the risk of ignoring any evidence that conflicts with our views. It is doubt that shows we are still thinking, still willing to reexamine hardened beliefs when confronted with new facts and new evidence.
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Can teachers successfully educate children to think for themselves if teachers are not treated as professionals who think for themselves?
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Without knowledge and understanding, one tends to become a passive spectator rather than an active participant in the great decisions of our time.
Diane RavitchRead
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