Are America's public schools really broken? Are our public schools putting us in danger of being overtaken by foreign countries? Is it true that Johnny can't read?
Ever since Sputnik soared overhead in 1957, policy makers have feared an "education gap" that would jeopardize America's standing in the world. So, to "fix" our schools, politicians have spent billions in a failed effort to improve performance, especially in low-income schools.
The truth is, many studies show that the American public school system is highly successful. Needing our help are the low-income students, their families, and their communities. We need to prepare our children before they walk through the door of the schoolhouse. To do anything else is to continue down the same ineffectual path we've been on since the days of Sputnik.
In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Wendolyn Bouie, a veteran public school principal and administrator, destroys many of the insidious myths that for over sixty years have plagued public education policy in the United States.
"A chilling expose of how we have politicized public education with costly, unworkable solutions that focus on everything except improving student's classroom performance and life achievements." -Stanley Williams, Former US Dept. of Education Regional Representative, President of The Atlanta Committee for Public Education, and IBM Regional Executive
"A historical view of the misdirection of education in America beginning with the response to Sputnik and moving swiftly through No Child Left Behind. Bouie does an exceptional job of providing a workable direction for education in America." -Dr. Fannie Tartt, Retired Educator
"A work of superior journalism and a lesson in effective problem solving." -Dr. Felicia Mitchell, Director, Clark Atlanta University
"Never have I read such a comprehensive book that provides the true picture of public schools. This book gives me hope that change will come in developing effective strategies for educating our students." -Dr. Melvin Johnson, Chairman, Board of Education, DeKalb County Schools
"Very informative . . . compelling." -Dr. Olivia Boggs, Associate Professor, Mercer University
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