Description
Book SynopsisThe truth is often hard to face, but if educators and politicians continue to avoid the realities associated with the educational process, then enormous amounts of time and energy will continue to be spent chasing a variety of educational illusions. Daniel Wentland meshes economics, psychology, philosophy, and common sense in proposing a pathway for leaders to follow if they really want to improve education in America.The information in this book moves the educational process off the nowhere track and onto the reality track where the educational system can become an effective mechanism for improving learning. Wentland''s blueprint for change is one that needs to be listened to by education policy makers and practitioners everywhere. The question now becomes, who wants to see reality?
Trade ReviewContemplating the array of issues facing education in the US keeps many policy makers awake at night. Dr. Wentland's writings provide a candid look at why we should rethink strategies, pressures, and conceptual understanding of what our country really needs in its schools. If we are to regain a leadership role in ensuring an educational system built on excellence for all communities, exploring new ways of thinking about the educational endeavor, as detailed by Dr. Wentland, is critical. -- Lynn House, former Associate Commissioner of Academic and Student Affairs, MS Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) and the former Interim State Superintendent of Education for the state of Mississippi
Our schools are of this world, not separate from it. Today's students will need to be civil, employable, entrepreneurial, curious, and resilient, among other things. This book extends our thinking about what happens today and how it helps to shape tomorrow's reality. -- Gary Marx, president, Center for Public Outreach; author, “Twenty-One Trends for the 21st Century”
Daniel Wentland does a skillful job of meshing economics, psychology, philosophy and common sense in proposing a pathway for leaders to follow if they really want to improve education in America. Refusing to bow down to the false god of politics in designing schools that work, Dr. Wentland dares his readers to envision an American school system that is responsive, effective and respectful. His blueprint for change is one that needs to be listened to by education policy makers and practitioners. -- James R. Delisle, Ph.D., retired, distinguished professor of education, Kent State University (OH) and author of “Dumbing Down America: The War On Our Nation's Brightest Young Minds (And What We Can Do To Fight Back)”
As an educator, Dr. Wentland clearly articulates valuable strategies that focus on education not politic as the vehicle for school success. His evidently logical points focus on the long term viability of our educational system. This information is useful and timely to maximize positive learning outcomes for a new generation of students -- Michael J. Littman, Ph.D., chair and associate professor of business, SUNY: Buffalo State
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1 - The useless versus the useful politician Chapter 2 - Education is not the input/output model of business Chapter 3 – Yes, there is a right and wrong Chapter 4 - The wrong paradigm: traditional schools versus charter schools Chapter 5 – Lacking a love for learning Chapter 6 - Students are part of the problem Chapter 7 - Bad teachers Chapter 8 – The myth about maximizing student learning Chapter 9 – A disconnection in the educational pipeline Chapter 10 – Getting education right isn’t rocket science, but many make it that way
