21st Century Learners

Prepare them for the 21st Century, we are told. So that they can solve the problems that haven't yet been posed.

Teach them how to think critically. How to read and write and analyze, but don't teach them how to sing. Don't teach them how to act or paint or, god forbid, how to dance because those things have no value in the 21st century.

Teach them how a multiplication table is the true key to happiness, but don't even attempt to help them understand why a cello's smooth, silky voice can bring them to the edge of tears.

Make sure when they write they are writing essays; and please, for goodness sakes, make certain they know nothing of stanzas or meters. If a student is to mention the name of Shakespeare, let it only be in their own actual trembling at a weapon of war, for words hold no meaning here. What is to be, will be it there shall be no questioning of what is not to be.

Do not allow the colors of the outside world to touch their senses beyond the simple recognition of its name, for we cannot have people in the 21st century using colors, for those colors do not solve those yet to be determined problems.

Make sure this education give them all the things they need to be a worker, but none of the things they need to be a human.For art, music, drama and beauty are not 21st Century issues.

Is that what you want taught?