Description
Book SynopsisIn today's education climate, parents, teachers and school leaders are often confused about the direction of education and what and how children are learning. For anyone interested in the minefields that young people navigate in schools today, this book exposes the ills, questions the status quo, engages the reader in a common-sense way, and provides solutions to the confusion created in schools. The culmination of over exposure of young children to Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA) topics, the banning of religion in schools, and the runaway train of illegal immigration creates confusion that won't soon pass. In addition, the trend for politicians to appoint superintendents of schools, commissioners of education (at state and federal levels), and other education leaders who do not have experience or formal training in education is confusing and disturbing. Would anyone visit a doctor who was not experienced in medicine? It's not likely.
Trade ReviewThis book is an insightful read. Dr. Nace has a keen grasp of education topics. She writes from an international perspective and a passion for supporting children, parents and educators. Her contribution as an author is thoughtful and reflective, nurturing the self-awareness of those in education. -- Euan Mackie, 45 years in education, Educational Coach and former Head Teacher, Inverness, Scotland
Dr. Nace has combined common sense and her professional experience to demonstrate that we need to focus on the needs of our children in schools rather than on the various political agendas that assault our educational systems. -- Pete Tamburro, State of New Jersey, Award-winning Educator
Table of ContentsForeword Pete Tamburro Acknowledgements Chapter 1: The Graying of Teaching and Learning Testing Parent Involvement Curriculum Chapter 2: Educational Change and Bullying: More Gray Areas in Education Educational Change Bullying Conclusion and Systemic Impact Chart (1A) Chapter 3: What’s it Like for Children in the Gray Zone The Gray Zone Lessons in Diversity Learning Life Lessons Through Systems Thinking Systems Thinking, the Value of Life, and College and Career Readiness Just How Important is Everyone How to Study Systems? Conclusion: Being Connected Chapter 4 Religion: The Light of the World Is There a Place for Religion in Schools? Paranoia and Religion in Today’s Schools The Fork in the Road Chapter 5: Do Schools Contradict the Principles of Critical Thinking? What Does Gray Represent? Natural Reactions to Gray Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) The Government’s Role The Importance of Defining “Normal” Chapter 6: Kids Will Be Kids LGBTQIA—what’s All the Fuss About? Confusion in the Learning Environment Caution in Premature Labeling of Kid Conclusion Chapter 7: Lessons in Systems Thinking Teaching Children about Systems Thinking Systems Thinking: Endless Lessons for Children Activities for introducing systems thinking to children (At home and at school) Using Systems Thinking to Problem Solve Summary: Benefits for Children Who Study Systems Chapter 8: Immigration: An Unspoken Gray Area in Education Immigration: How are we doing? Illegal Immigration and the Impact on Schools Illegal Immigration and Moral Questions Migration, Communities, and Schools Open Conversations about Culture and Diversity A Smart Approach to Closing Cultural Gaps in Schools Chapter 9: Taking Schools from Grey to Pink through Effective Communication The Journey Do teachers and parents speak the same language? Parent-teacher communication: Both Sides of the Coin Defining Parent-Teacher Communication The high school years: “The village” Community and Schools: Finding Innovative ways to stay connected Chapter 10: Exploring Weak Links in Education Is Having Teaching Experience Overrated? Who Schools Hire and What It Communicates to Parents Are Charter Schools a Weak Link in Education? Conclusion Chapter 11: Education Leaders as Chief Communicators What is a Quality Hire? Lowering Standards for Today’s Education Leaders Who’s on Top? Conclusion Closing Thoughts
