Description
Book SynopsisHere is a fresh, common-sense take on education reform, not by an educator or administrator or politico, but by a concerned mother and citizen who dares to proclaim that America is NOT offering a quality education to ALL its children. Young sees an effective public education system as a fundamental function of a strong republic. Yet opposing political agendas are directing federal, state, and local lawmakers toward failed programs, wasted dollars, and poor results for American public education. In The Crucial Voice of the People, Past and Present, Young presents important insights into what can be done to fix America's public education system. Her research and observations are eye opening and provide all readers with a galvanizing focus on what needs to be done and how to get there. But most importantly, the book energizes parents with new ideas and tools to improve the schools in their own communities. The Crucial Voice of the People, Past and Present is a call to the public education
Trade ReviewYoung asks insightful questions that force us to dig deeply into our values as parents and educators. She reminds us what's important about public education and why we should stop fighting and start solving the crisis before us. -- Marilyn Price-Mitchell Ph.D, developmental psychologist; president, National ParentNet Association; fellow, Institute for Social Innovation, Fielding Graduate University
I have read with great interest Victoria Young's anecdotal expose of the failures of public education and must agree with her conclusion — substantive improvement in public education will require involvement of the entire community. -- Donald C. Weaver, Professor Emeritus from Western Michigan University, School of Education; former chair of the National Coalition for Community Education; director of the Mott Training Network Project; and member of the National Networking for State Community Education Capacity Building Projects…
A poignant and pragmatic analysis of the challenges confronting America's public schools. Young provides her readers with invaluable insights on what might be done to address an array of issues plaguing American education. At a time of polarizing debates and policy paralysis, Young provides parents, educators and policymakers with a perspective that is refreshing, original and most importantly, optimistic. -- Pedro A. Noguera Ph.D, distinguished professor of education UCLA Graduate School of Education & Information Studies
Young is a parent that makes all of us think and grow in our profession. This second edition provides parents with tools and ideas on how to contribute to and improve education in their communities. Without those parents who question and point out those unique community needs and history, schools will never truly meet the needs of children. This is a call to parents sitting on the sidelines. -- Mary Ollie, science curriculum coordinator in two Idaho schools, four-time recipient of the state-level Presidential Award for Excellence in
Young has effectively pointed out the fact that parents and ordinary citizens can be superb sources of dynamic input into public schools. Her research and observations are excellent and remind us that public schools should be open to both the needs and ideas of those for whom they were created to serve. -- Jack D. Minzey, professor and department head emeritus, Eastern Michigan University, and coauthor, Reforming Public Schools Through Community Ed
As a mom of two non-graduates, I wish Victoria M. Young had written this book earlier. My children's outcome may have been different; their lives would have surely been changed. -- Kathie Grafe, RN BSN, just another middle class parent
Young's analysis of educational policies and reform practices proved to be informative and useful while studying the effects of school reform on teachers. In the era of accountability, it is important to remember that we are all accountable for the education of our children. Young brings the concept of shared accountability to the forefront of educational reform practices and ideas. We are all responsible for the education of our children, and The Crucial Voice of the People, Past and Present provides common sense answers to the problems in our educational system. -- Joshua Bryan, Ed.D., academic coach, Quitman Elementary School
Table of ContentsForeword By Gary Ratner Preface Acknowledgments Chapter 1: Safe and Disciplined Schools; Civility Lost on Our Own Turf Chapter 2: The Three R’s, plus the “R Rule” Chapter 3: Where’s the Science? Using What We Know Chapter 4: Along Came “No Child Left Behind”; With Unintended or Foreseeable Consequences? Chapter 5: What is the Problem? Why Children Get Left Behind Chapter 6: We Have the Answers Chapter 7: Formula for Success; Simple, Not Easy Chapter 8: What’s Next? Starting In the Trenches Chapter 9: The Road to Educational Quality and Equality: A Story with No Ending Chapter 10: Democracy and Education: The Powerful Will Drive Progress Reflections: Finish the Fight Bibliography Addendum1: A National Approach to Effective Schools Addendum 2: Establishing Balanced Curriculum in our Classrooms Addendum 3: Noteworthy People Index About the Author
