quite beautifully put. I wonder what her reply was when you told her that she only wanted her kids to learn what she wanted them to learn. of course, that IS what she wants. something I've taken up with Tom a few times is the fact that for the last several decades (at least), kids haven't been taught to read properly, and many of them not at all. there's also a cash nexus involved...the preparation of books and other materials to brainwash students into learning precisely what the powers-that-be want them to learn is a huge, thriving business. teaching kids not to think actually takes some serious THOUGHT.