The book, Excellent Sheep: The Miseducation of the American Elite, was written by a former Ivy League professor and displayed the commonly ignored imperfections of today’s educational institutions.
William Deresiewicz was an English professor at Yale University when he began noticing things amongst his students. He was frustrated when the brightest minds struggled with interpersonal skills, critical thinking and creativity. Deresiewicz analyzed the correlation between his students’ struggles and the Ivy League school system.
This interpretation of modern education is like no other. Acquiring a firsthand experience, Deresiewicz described the system as selfish, controlling and even robotic. He explained that students are taught how to achieve the best grades possible and study for the most prestigious careers, leaving behind the knowledge that inspires growth and confidence.
Senior Adrian Swanson enjoyed reading the book in his Intro to Psychology class. “He explained the flaws by giving us a fundamental breakdown of how elite colleges work,” he said. “Looking at topics such as their financial troubles, college admissions, the damaging mental health, and how it affects them long term.”
Throughout the college experience, students are also dealing with extreme isolation, stress and a multitude of mental illnesses. The children that have had their privileged lives set up for them since birth are unable to deal with challenges in the workforce. Deresiewicz emphasizes that the importance of college lies in the ability to learn from mistakes and discover oneself: an idea that has been clearly lost in this generation of students.
Some of these unfortunate results can be reversed through parenting. Deresiewicz believes it is important for parents to raise their kids to be independent and allow them to fail. Overprotective parenting is another reason for the increase in stress and mental illness.
Excellent Sheep provides an analytical response to the system of grading. Deresiewicz and many others want the public to know the inadequacy in the current system implemented by teachers. The pressure for perfection in every possible category is doing students a major injustice.
Providing a bit of insight, Deresiewicz suggests the transition to a liberal arts education: one where students are taught how to think for themselves and truly learn. The idea of a generalized education over a specialized education is being discussed as an opportunity for greater success.
Swanson closely analyzed the liberal arts chapters because of his experience with the college search. “His comparison of elite colleges to liberal arts colleges shows us the differences between the types of education and the different benefits that the students may or may not receive,” he said.The American education institutions are in need of drastic change. This generation is crying for help and few understand the abuse being inflicted upon students. Deresiewicz’s Excellent Sheep is a must-read for anyone willing to absorb the cold truth of what many are afraid to speak up about.
