Fertilizers, Pills, and Magnetic Strips

This insightful book explores the impact of technology on American culture and public education, projecting a concerning future for the educational landscape.

In Fertilizers, Pills, and Magnetic Strips, Gene V Glass delves into the profound impact of key technological inventions on American culture and public education. He articulates how innovations have not only shaped societal values but have also influenced the evolution of educational frameworks. The book highlights the interplay between material self-interest and the pursuit of comfort, illustrating how these forces have contributed to a hyper-consuming society that often overlooks the importance of quality education.

Glass argues that the pressing debates surrounding education policy in the early 21st century, such as vouchers, charter schools, and high-stakes testing, stem from two fundamental questions: how to reduce the costs of public education and how to serve the interests of the White middle class at the expense of broader educational equity. By examining demographic trends over the past three decades, the author paints a troubling picture of the future of public education in America, suggesting that current trajectories may lead to systemic degradation.

Fertilizers, Pills, and Magnetic Strips is not just an analysis but a call to action, urging educators, policymakers, and the public to reconsider the direction in which education is heading. The book has garnered attention from leading education scholars, who commend its insightful critique and clarity. It serves as both a warning and a guide for those invested in the future of public education, emphasizing the need for a collective commitment to preserving education as a common good.