Full Description
What's Wrong with Our Schools and How We Can Fix Them examines the status of public education in North America and exposes many of the absurd instructional practices found in all-too-many schools. Written by three experienced educators, this book provides readers with a direct window into public education. The language is straightforward, the case studies based on real events, and the research evidence clearly presented. With chapter titles like, 'Subject Matter Matters,' 'A Pass Should be Earned,' and 'There is Too Much Edu-Babble,' the authors systematically demolish the ridiculous fads that have taken hold of public education. As unashamed apologists for the importance of knowledge and content in school curricula, the authors clearly show why the views of romantic progressives, like those of popular author Alfie Kohn, fail to stand up to rigorous scrutiny. A consistent focus on common sense permeates this book and provides parents, teachers, and administrators with practical ways in which they can help improve public education. Anyone interested in the future of public education will benefit from reading this book. For more information, visit www.fixingourschools.com.
Contents
Part 1 Introduction: Whatever Happened to Common Sense? Part 2 Part I: Some Things Are Fundamental Chapter 3 Subject Matter Matters Chapter 4 Tests Are Good for Students Chapter 5 Students Need Discipline Chapter 6 Inclusion Should Not Be Exclusion Chapter 7 Some Teachers Are Better Than Others Chapter 8 Some Schools Are Better Than Others Part 9 Part II: Some Things Are Practical Chapter 10 Classrooms Should Be Teacher-Centered Chapter 11 Direct Instruction Is Good Teaching Chapter 12 Rote Learning and Practice Are Important Chapter 13 A Little Homework Doesn't Hurt Chapter 14 Grades Should Reflect Achievement Chapter 15 A Pass Should Be Earned Part 16 Part III: Some Things Are Distracting Chapter 17 Teachers' Unions Don't Always Put Students First Chapter 18 There Is Too Much "Edu-Babble" Part 19 Conclusion: Using Common Sense to Obtain Better Schools
