Description
Book SynopsisThe intent of this book is to look at our educational system as it currently works and to evaluate not only why this system is broken, but also how we might move forward, together, to fix it.So, how do we fix our failing schools? We begin by finally taking the educator out from behind the desk and bring them to the table to share in the decisions and solutions regarding what is happening in our schools. It is time to part the curtains on our public school system and show you the villains, the heroes, the talented, and the not so talented. It is time to give you a behind the scenes view of our educational stage.
Trade ReviewThe elephant in the classroom is no more. This conversational expose addresses the difficult truths facing our educational system. Grab a cup of coffee, sit down and be enlightened to not only the issues of education, but get an understanding of how you can help fix what is broken. -- Kelly McWilliams, administrator
You will be shocked, enraged, and ready to start having difficult conversations. -- Jamie Fowler, educator
Many have been waiting for a leader with the chutzpa to tackle and provide simple solutions for the troubles plaguing the American education system. Whether you are a teacher, an administrator, or a parent, you will hear the truth and your perspective addressed accurately as Cathy Tooley has personally looked through each lens. Of course, some truths might be hard to swallow, but they are truths nonetheless, and admitting they are true is the first step in the recovery. If the political wrangling stops, as Cathy suggests, and all interested parties come together for the sake of the children, the educational pendulum that is swinging dangerously out of control can be reined in with simple, logical steps for the benefit of the children—and isn’t that who it’s all about? -- Shellie Stoker, educator
Cathy Tooley’s book is the start of a movement of change that must happen in education. Her story will open your eyes to the problems in education, and make you think how you can be part of the answer. -- Wendy Myers, administrator
Table of ContentsPreface: Setting the Stage Introduction: Understanding the “Play” That Is Education Curtain #1: Politics in Education on a Larger Scale Curtain #2: Politics in Education on a Local Level Curtain #3: Administrators on the “Fast Track” Curtain #4: The Role of Our Administrators Is Confused Curtain #5: The Political Reality of Administration Curtain #6: The School Board “Experience” Curtain #7: The “Power” of the School Board Curtain #8: What Is Really Happening in Our Schools Today? Curtain #9: Teachers and Their “Training” Curtain #10: Professional Development for Our Teachers Curtain #11: Teaching Is All About the Heart Curtain #12: We Must Measure Our Teachers Curtain #13: There are “Bad” Teachers Curtain #14: How We Measure “Bad” Teachers Curtain #15: Even “Bad” Teachers Are Members of Our Communities Curtain #16: The “Untouchables” Curtain #17: Why Are “Bad” Teachers Not Getting Fired? Curtain #18: The Spinning, Cracking, and Overwhelmed Teacher’s Plates Curtain #19: We Do Not Value Our Teachers Curtain #20: Testing Was Pure at the Heart Curtain #21: The What, the Who and the How of State Assessments Curtain #22: More What and How of State Assessments Curtain #23: We Test Our Students TO DEATH Curtain #24: A Parent Can Make or Break a School System Curtain #25: Discipline at Schools Has Gotten Out of Hand Curtain #26: Together There Are Steps to Fix the Parent vs. School Crisis Curtain #27: The Most Important Voices Are Not Being Heard Conclusion: Curtain Call
