Being dictated information is not the same as acquiring knowledge. This is the reality that the current public educational system ignores.  Before the government money and policies polluted schools, the focus of education was preparation for personal acquisition of knowledge--teaching basic skills in mathematics, language, history and philosophy and encouraging exploration.  The current focus is on preparation for the testing that measures the effectiveness of the curriculum and is rigged to ensure continuation of teaching jobs. I left the world of formal education half a century ago, and have been seeking to advance my knowledge and enlightenment ever since.