School is only a problem for the middle class

It’s clear that school is negatively impacting families. Parents protest loudly about the inadequacies of school. The picture up top makes me laugh, and so does this crazy homework assignment a Texas teacher handed out to fourth graders. 

Which books are the best homeschooling books?

I have noticed lately that the best writers about the homeschooling movement don’t even know they are writing about homeschool.

College is wasteful, but it’s much worse for women than men

When I write about college here it is almost always to say that it’s a waste of time. Though sometimes I am scolding myself for caring about getting my kids into a great college given that I also believe it’s a waste of time. In any case, though, it’s not all that controversial to say […]

Why Gen Y doesn’t homeschool

This is a guest post from Erin Wetzel. She is a painter and a poet who lives in Tacoma, WA with her husband and daughter. You can connect with her on instagram @ekwetzel. I am a Gen Y-er. I have a 3-year-old and I plan to homeschool/unschool. Whenever I discuss homeschooling with my peers, the #1 concern is socialization. Or, at […]

Key to school reform is pitting kids against teachers

Imagine a company that cannot fire people for low performance. The company wouldn’t make money, right? And high performers wouldn’t want to work there because they’d have to be with low performers.

Homeschool has more diversity than public school

One of the myths of public school is that it’s a great melting pot and an expression of American diversity. The truth is that it’s a great way for immigrants to learn how to fit in with other American kids, and we value the feeling of fitting in. And it’s a great way for you […]

Smart adults don’t wait for government to tell them what to do

I remember the day I posted a photo of my son drinking Gatorade. People commented about Red Dye #40. It turns out that it’s banned in much of Europe. The US FDA knows it likely makes kids hyperactive, but has not actually banned it.

NCAA Final Four sheds light on education crisis

I do not come from a sports family, but it’s impossible to live in rural Wisconsin and not be affected by sports teams. So last night we watched Wisconsin play Kentucky in the semi-finals.

School commute times ruin family life

During one of my eight-hour trips to and from Chicago for cello lessons it occurred to me that I am part of a larger trend where parents are giving up their family time in exchange for commute time.

Gifted is a messed-up moniker

We have an ongoing discussion in our family that goes something like this: “Mom, remember when I was the smartest in the class?”

© 2023 Penelope Trunk