Gatto did not believe the system could be reformed because it is "working exactly as intended". Instead, he advocated for:
: Schools teach a "hidden" set of lessons—confusion, class position, indifference, and emotional dependency—that are more influential than the formal academic subjects. John Taylor Gatto - The Underground History of ...
: The ultimate goal of modern schooling is "standardization," where individuals are rendered predictable and dependable consumers for the corporate state. Proposed Solutions Gatto did not believe the system could be
John Taylor Gatto’s (2001) argues that modern compulsory schooling is not a failure of education, but a successful implementation of a system designed to produce a compliant, standardized workforce. Drawing on his 30-year career as an award-winning New York City teacher, Gatto traces the roots of the American system to the Prussian Model , which prioritized obedience and state-service over individual critical thinking. Key Arguments and Themes Proposed Solutions John Taylor Gatto’s (2001) argues that