Why America’s Schools Are Still Stuck in the Industrial Revolution

The education system we know today traces its roots back to the Industrial Revolution, a time when schools were designed to produce obedient factory workers, not creative thinkers. Rows of desks, rigid schedules, and standardized testing may have made sense 200 years ago, but industries have evolved—and classrooms should too. Black and Brown students deserve learning environments that celebrate imagination, collaboration, and problem-solving. By rethinking how we measure success, integrating innovative tools, and designing classrooms as launchpads for creativity, we can empower the next generation to thrive in a world that no longer fits the factory model. It’s time to move beyond memorization and compliance and embrace education that matches the pace of modern life.