Alan Jones:
A must read for parents who, through the continual media reporting of these myths as if they were facts, are frightened to send their children to the local public school. I would also recommend this book to our Secretary of Education, who like the media, believes each of these myths are factual. Unfortunately, our entire educational policy framework--race to the top---is built on the assumption that the myths in this book are facts. Of all the myths listed in this book, the one that continues to drive all educational policy is the false belief that schools can cure poverty and lift all children up by the boot straps --- if only we could get rid of tenure, or wear uniforms, or establish more charter schools, etc. Conservatives love this argument, because it allows them skirt the very complex and expensive issues of jobs, health care, child care, crime, etc.
United States on Jun 02, 2015
Steven Peterson:
To start, I will say that I dislike the title very much: "Myths and Lies. . ." Come on! On the other hand, the authors are on to something. There is often a sense that privatization is inherently superior to public provision of goods and services. In the central Pennsylvania area, we get results of "report cards" on schools. Public schools aren't rated terribly high overall--but charter schools are even worse. Yet one claim is that what we need is more charters. The reality is: We need good schools--whether public or private.
This book lists 50 "myths and lies" about public schools in the U. S.. Then the authors examine available evidence about each.
Let's look at some examples. "Charter schools are better than traditional public schools." The authors look at a variety of research sources and suggest that the evidence is mixed. "School choice and competition work to improve all schools." The authors argue that the evidence does not fully support this. Indeed, I presented a paper at a professional conference once and observed that whether or not privatization worked depended on one statistical assumption. If you assume one approach, choice improves...
United States on May 16, 2015
claudia swisher:
This is a book every teacher and parent should own...and if nothing else, should study the table of contents. Berliner and Glass (and associates -- makes me wonder how much Berliner really wrote) organize the myths and lies we hear every day from critics and reformers, and debunk them with research. I have learned the hard way, often research is frowned upon by people who've already made up their minds, but I keep sharing anyway.
Several of the issues -- testing, charters, funding,
TFA, vouchers, resegregation of schools, tax credits, homework, flunking based on test scores, longer school days and years, unions, are discussed at length. It's quote-able, and I've quoted.
I will keep this book close at hand as the next Legislative Session begins. I'll be able to turn immediately to lots of issues and counter their silly arguments. Will I change their minds? Probably not. But they'll know I was there
United States on May 03, 2014
JMD:
As a co-founder of a nonprofit parent group that advocates for public schools, I have to say this book is EVERYTHING! Comprehensive without being mind-numbing, with sited sources for those who want to look more at the data Berliner, Glass and associates used. You can read it cover-to-cover, or travel through the Table of Contents pick out those myths you hear most often. The layout of the myths, the order, and the straight-to-the-point writing are so helpful for quick rebuttals to inaccurate portrayals of our schools, our students, and their teachers.
As a parent, as a public neighborhood school advocate, I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone, at any level of engagement/advocacy for public schools/students. If you do not have children, buy it still! Now more than ever, a whole generation of America's children are dependent upon voters who are INFORMED about our public schools and know the difference between facts and fiction.
United States on Apr 25, 2014
| 50 Myths and Lies That Threaten the Quality of Education in America's Public Schools by Gene V Glass | Unlock the Power of Education: Ron Paul's Revolutionary Plan for Fixing Our Broken Education System | Reign of Error: Exposing the Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Threat to America's Public Schools by Diane Ravitch | |
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| B2B Rating |
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| Sale off | $13 OFF | $13 OFF | |
| Total Reviews | 1 reviews | 2 reviews | 4 reviews |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0807755242 | ||
| Language | English | ||
| Education History & Theory | Education History & Theory | ||
| Education Assessment (Books) | Education Assessment | ||
| ISBN-10 | 0807755249 | ||
| Best Sellers Rank | #92 in Education History & Theory #1,123 in Education Assessment #1,905 in History of Education | #336 in United States National Government#374 in History of Education#542 in Political Commentary & Opinion | |
| Customer Reviews | 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 167 ratings var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when.execute { if { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative { if { ue.count || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when.execute { A.declarative{ if { ue.count || 0) + 1); } }); }); | 4.6/5 stars of 211 ratings | |
| Publisher | Teachers College Press | ||
| Item Weight | 13.7 ounces | ||
| Dimensions | 6.4 x 0.5 x 8.9 inches | ||
| Paperback | 272 pages | ||
| History of Education | History of Education | History of Education |
People in the UK should read it and draw parallels with the education agenda here.
United Kingdom on Jul 21, 2016