Description
Book SynopsisThe unspoken American promise is that each generation will lead a better, more successful life than the previous one. In earlier times, it was an education that provided the next generations a better life. For today’s children, though, decades of failed school reform have left a generation wondering if this promise has been broken. Despite policies, programs, and resources, American education does not live up to its expectations. In Screwed-Up School Reform, Richard G. Shear and Bruce S. Cooper reveal that generations of school reforms have actively worked to cure the symptoms of “broken schools,” but not the overarching, fundamental problems that permeate the system. Virtually an entire society has failed to understand the main problem with American education: children are rejecting its practices and conditions. But, the screwed-up education system is fixable, and it can be fixed now. If reformers focus instead on changing education’s foundation, then children will instead succeed at school and in their personal lives.
Trade ReviewNo component of American education is spared Richard G. Shear’s and Bruce S. Cooper’s blame in Screwed-Up School Reform: Fixing America’s Broken Promise. They deliver a harsh assessment of the reform movement, backed by in-depth analysis of the contributing negative forces. But these authors don’t leave it at that. They provide rational and feasible responses to the reform attempts that are the targets of their tough appraisal. Shear and Cooper argue the reformers fail to see the problem for what it is and make matters worse by applying the wrong fixes. They make a compelling case that students should be valued as consumers, eager to use a product that satisfies their needs. Their 10 recommendations begin with their call for a much more participatory role for students and parents in the school system. They see this as a way to move reform in the right direction. * School Administrator *
Shear and Cooper tell it like it is—American education is on the wrong track, and their spot-on analyses well capitalize their trenchant recommendations. We will, inevitably, continue in wrong-headed directions unless we take action, NOW! Fortunately, they suggest clear-headed and strong-hearted ways to think about and act for productive change. -- Rodney Muth, emeritus professor, University of Colorado, Denver
Shear and Cooper propose to ask about students’ wants and needs. It is clear that this is where any serious-minded school reform should begin. As we propose building solutions from below (as opposed to imposing them from the top) it is mission critical to do so by asking these questions, and to ask them of students. Their provocative work is certain to raise and/or knit a few eyebrows; however, it is a must read for those who hope to make America’s schools meaningful again. -- Thomas P. Dolan, superintendent, Great Neck Public Schools, Great Neck, New York
Table of ContentsPreface Introduction Screwed-Up by the Wrong Paradigm: The Conflicting Purposes of the Public Schools Chapter 1 Screwed-Up by Not Realizing: What Do Students Want? What Do Students Need? Chapter 2 Empowering Educators for Change: You Can’t Lead When You’re on the Wrong Road Chapter 3 Screwed-Up by Government and Governance Chapter 4 Screwed-Up by Clueless Boards of Education and Misguided Parent Groups… Chapter 5 Screwed-Up by Methods of School Funding Chapter 6 Ending the Screwed-Up Continuum by Recognizing that the Unachievable is Achievable Chapter 7 Ten Changes to End the Screwed-Up References
