2024 the best public schools in the us review
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(as of Nov 12, 2024 23:17:09 UTC - Details)
What is a parent to make of the current narrative about public education in the United States? We hear that our public schools are mediocre at best and dysfunctional and unsafe at worst. We hear politicians and pundits arguing that the country will fall behind economic competitors like China and Japan, if our schools do not improve. We hear education reformers, well-funded by corporate lions like Bill Gates and the Walton family, suggesting a smorgasbord of solutions from school choice to more rigorous standards and from increased standardized tests to test-based teacher accountability.What is education reform and how will it impact schools, children and parents? What are charter schools and should I send my child to one? What is the impact of standardized testing on my child? Should I opt my child out of standardized testing? How can I make sure my child gets a good teacher? What does good reading and writing instruction look like? How should technology be used in the schools and at home?A Parent’s Guide to Public Education in the 21st Century is written to answer these questions and help today’s parents sort through the weeds of educational reform to make informed decisions designed to get the best possible education for their children. The book starts from the point of view that public education is a vital institution, central to our democracy and economic independence, and then suggests ways that parents can not only get the best of education for their own children, but also support policies that will make the institution of public education stronger for future generations.
Publisher : Garn Press (March 14, 2016)
Language : English
Paperback : 248 pages
ISBN-10 : 1942146337
ISBN-13 : 978-1942146339
Item Weight : 11.9 ounces
Dimensions : 6 x 0.56 x 9 inches
Reviewer: Carrie
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Walsh gave a perfect outline in his Table of Contents
Review: This review is long overdue. I purchased the book as soon as it came out. I was in the process of transitioning my children from a charter/home school environment to a traditional school model. As a public educator, I understood the arena from a teacher's perspective, but I craved a "how-to" book for choosing a school as a parent.Mr. Walsh gave a perfect outline in his Table of Contents. He highlighted political issues in the first chapter, reminded me of the qualities of a good school in the second, gave me objective references for determining readiness for school in the third chapter, shared key ways to support my children as their parent in a school setting in the fourth and fifth chapters, and created discussion in our home after reading the chapter highlighting technology. Those topics would be enough to fill the book, but he also tackles the ABC's of education by sharing ways to get good teachers in the classroom, explaining the common core so that everyone can understand it, the options of standardized testing, and he even jumped into charter schools with both feet and he didn't even drown. It was impressive.It is a must read for anyone that is in education because it helps us look at topics from a parental perspective. As parents, the book clears the haze from educational mumbo-jumbo and helps us be clear about what WE want from OUR school. Even community members without children would benefit from the readings because they help us understand why policies are made to enhance our schools and why public schools do not have to be a thing of the past.While the entire book is worth reading, two particular topics stood out for me. The first involves the set up of the book. At the conclusion of the chapters, there is a list of resources. They include other places to look to for additional information. At other times, there is a place to go for other view points graciously letting the reader know that the author valued all options but thoughtfully came to this conclusion.The second topic that stood out for me was the chapter about charter schools and homeschooling. As an author with a clear love for public traditional schooling, this chapter was full of understanding. He clearly explained what "choice schools" are and outlined the pros and cons for each. He referenced the big picture explaining that he believes that traditional public schools were the best bet for the future. However, his love for students was at the heart of this chapter as he saw education through the eyes of a parent. Rather than staying his course, he gave information so that one could choose wisely among the choices.It was at this final chapter that I came to the conclusion that all should read the book. Thoughtful. Kind to all sides. Necessary reading if educational improvement is on an agenda.We have just requested that we be allowed to use it as a parent book club option for the spring...
Reviewer: Claudette Gerdjunis
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Important information for parents, teachers and advocates of public education
Review: This is a must read book. The chapter on standardized tests is especially of value for those of us fighting the battle of less testing, more teaching. This is direct, and easy to read, the subjects are broken down so you can find information quickly. Very informative for parents and teachers, alike.If you enjoy Russ Walsh's blog [...] this is a great addition to your tools.Incidentally his informative blog is what captured my loyalty as a reader when I was frustrated and researching the 8th grade ELA curriculum and standards.Keep reading, keep learning. Put this book on your summer reading list.
Reviewer: Julie B
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: A must read for anyone concerned about the current education "reform" movement.
Review: I'm a parent and public school advocate. So many parents have sense that something is not quite right, but can't or haven't really delved into why things just feel so "off". Russ Walsh does a fantastic job of breaking down the issues in a clear and concise way. His citations give the reader a road map of where and how to look for information. A must read for anyone concerned about the current education "reform" movement.
Reviewer: Bill K.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Common Sense Book for Parents
Review: Russ Walsh's little gem is a common sense guide that answers questions that parents have about education today. Russ is able to apply established principles to the issues of today.In my opinion, this work should be required reading for all school board members and candidates as well.
Reviewer: redondolinda
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: I found this book very useful (especially pages 90-93)
Review: As a public school math teacher, I found this book very useful (especially pages 90-93). This book led to a productive discussion with my principal about changes that needed to be made to improve our curriculum. I highly encourage all teachers and administrators to read this book.
Reviewer: Kindle Customer
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Must Read
Review: A must read for parents with children entering school or already enrolled. Writing is for parents not teachers which makes it an invaluable tool! Please do yourself a favor and order this book!
Reviewer: Jonathan
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: A MUST READ book about our public schools
Review: Russ Walsh, an educator, public education advocate and fellow education blogger has written a new MUST READ book.Every parent or prospective parent of a public school student, along with every elected official, should take the time to read Russ Walshâs âA Parentâs Guide to Public Education in the 21st Century.âRuss Walshâs well-researched, substantive and accessible description of the state of public education and the very serious threat posed by the charter school industry and its corporate education reform allies, serves as a powerful guide for those who seek to advocate on behalf of their children and the children of their community.The knowledge and tools Russ Walsh provides his readers serve as the antidote to the rhetoric and false narrative that is being spewed by the corporate education reformer movement and those who seek to privatize public education.A Parentâs Guide to Public Education in the 21st Century provides parents with extremely important information about what is taking place in the nationâs public schools.The nationâs federal, state and local officials would also find Walshâs book a useful primer for what to do and not to do if they are truly dedicated to supporting a comprehensive public education system that ensure that every child has access to an education that allows that to live broader and more fulfilling lives.