Gatto's "Dumbing Us Down" finally convinced my husband that homeschooling was the answer to our son's education and safety. There were other reasons, but that book cemeted our decision. Critical thinking skills aren't taught in public (and most private) schools. The educators are far too busy with crowd control tactics and getting their students ready for the latest round of state mandated tests.
My son is in his second year at UCSD, studing computer science. While my son has a few issues with the way the university runs things, he is able to handle "indoctrination" tactics from some of the more far out professors better than most students his age or older.
John Taylor Gatto is an amazing author. His creative solutions must scare the elitist swine that want to control our children. Great stuff.
Congratulations on you and your son on his success!
What I like most about Gatto is his refusal to be confined to managed debate and willingness to stray from the beaten path and advocate solutions based on kids being taught in the way their minds work rather than labels or political factions.