The American Education system “Being a teacher is like being in jail: once it’s on your record, you can never get rid of it” (Lawrence 17).

Huckleberrying “We’re scrambling for ideas the way we hunt for huckleberries in the woods” (18). What use are the texts of the school? Can huckleberrying be useful? Can it be possible to learn all you need to know with only 1 of these methods?

Proscriptions “My students have the ache of curiosity, which I’m afraid your proscriptions will not cure!” (21). Who should have the power of choosing curriculum: a school board, teacher, and/or student? Is it important for the chooser to inform the others of the purpose of the curriculum?

Cover Your Ears “Class. You’ve heard the Deacon. We shall stick to the approved books. Your eyes must not wander from the page—to look at a leaf, or an unauthorized butterfly. You must not listen to a cricket or smell a flower that has not been approved by the School Committee. You'd better close both ears and hold your nose” (21). Does the American education system allow students to wonder or attempt to control the minds of the nation’s youth? What do you think must be kept out of the curriculum?

Minds “All a school needs is a mind that sends, and minds that receive” (25). Is it important for the teacher to be the mind that receives at times? What can the teacher learn from the students that can improve future learning for all?

Straw Hat “I also wear a ridiculous straw hat. That doesn’t mean that you should wear a ridiculous hat. You’d look ridiculous in it…Follow-the-leader is not the game we’re playing here! Young lady, BE YOUR OWN MAN!” (30). Do schools have this same mentality? Are you prompted to learn in the manner that best suits you?

Not For the Masses “Education should not be a mass process!” (32). This quote goes against the idea of a 2,300 student school. What does Burke do to try to limit the school being a mass process? What can be done to change this problem in the American education system?