I don't believe it's a strawman at all. I was a middle school teacher for years in the USA.
Modern education is overly concerned with fact memorization, since it's the easiest and most precise way to grade. In America we force (not ask) our children to attend institutions that greatly resemble totalitarian dictatorships, where they are not even allowed basic rights like bathroom use without being given permission.
Then we force them to memorize countless facts, many of which are never brought up again for the rest of their lives.
Modern education is overly concerned with fact memorization, since it's the easiest and most precise way to grade. In America we force (not ask) our children to attend institutions that greatly resemble totalitarian dictatorships, where they are not even allowed basic rights like bathroom use without being given permission.
Then we force them to memorize countless facts, many of which are never brought up again for the rest of their lives.
Consider this essay from 1991 from a celebrated educator. https://www.cantrip.org/gatto.html
The system we have isn't designed this way because it's best for the individual, and it's not a strawman to question it.