Description
Book SynopsisThe problems in our nation’s schools, and the cures for those problems, have been mired in confusion, innuendo, and deception. It is time someone separated the truths about our schools from the lies. Now retired from education, and finally free to speak up, veteran high school teacher Bruce J. Gevirtzman reveals his shocking ideas for fixing our public schools. Providing an in-depth analysis of the causes of problems in our schools, Gevirtzman uncovers information that most of our leaders and many of our educators don’t want you to know about, and here he tells all. What’s more, he proposes a number of suggestions supported by both empirical and academic research to solve these problems, even though many educators and politicians continue to be ignorant of their potential. Sometimes disconcerting, often funny, and always enlightening, Audacious Cures for America's Ailing Schools takes us on a journey to education reform that works.
Trade ReviewAll of Bruce's books have tickled my "intellectual funny bone." Although his ideas are sometimes outrageous, they are always bold. As an educator myself, a former assistant principal and classroom teacher, I can see that Bruce identifies a lot of the solutions that most people are afraid to even discuss. -- Ron Carroll, Teacher
No one should hesitate to listen to a teacher who has been in the system (with such a tremendous amount of success) as long as Bruce Gevirtzman has. He knows what's wrong; he knows how to fix it. Through his writings, he makes us listen, laugh, and learn. -- Steve Cisneros, founder and producer, Phantom Projects, and former student in Gevirtzman's classroom
Our political leaders should read From the Inside: Audacious Cures for America's Ailing Schools. So should the general public. Perhaps we will be less likely to blame America’s teachers and more likely to blame ourselves for this mess. -- Shelley D. Lane, Ph.D., associate professor, University of Texas at Dallas
Bruce J. Gevirtzman is irreverent, sarcastic and on target with what ails the school system. Why? Because he was a superior teacher for four decades and has done his homework on the waste in the system and the fact that the heart of every classroom is a well-respected and well-paid teaching professional who should be held to high standards. One may not agree with everything he argues, but his theme that "more of the same will just mean more failure" rings clear. -- Robert Pacilio, 1998 San Diego County Teacher of the Year and author of
Meetings at the Metaphor Cafe
Like Bruce's other books, many of his ideas gave me pause; however, his thoughts wound up being so brutally honest, and so humorously presented, I couldn't help but learn from those ideas. Agree or disagree, this book is a must-read for parents, educators, and politicians. -- Shari Wilson, Communications Specialist, St. Vrain Valley School District
Table of Contents
Introduction: Waiting For Scooper Man: Fall Guys, Scapegoats, and Truths Chapter 1. Children in Purgatory Chapter 2. The Devil’s Contract Chapter 3. Joel Gray’s Anatomy Chapter 4. Putting Their Money Where Our Mouths Are Chapter 5. Breathing: The Lost Art Chapter 6. Solving Suffocation Chapter 7. Those Who Can’t Do Teach—and Those Who Can’t Teach Shouldn’t Teach Chapter 8. Giveth Gelt, Taketh Tenure Chapter 9. They Baby-Sit Our Children, Don’t They? Chapter 10. Doing What Schools Do Chapter 11. My God! These Children Are Going to Breed! Chapter 12. Walking Like a Duck and Quacking Like a Duck No More Chapter 13. From Nine to Three—Not the Drink For Me Chapter 14. Bryan’s Bong Chapter 15. No Child’s Tanned Behind Chapter 16. Like Dirty Harry Chapter 17. Gorilla! Chapter 18. Resting Their Middle Fingers
