Ravitch has had a change of heart after her service in the Bush administration and the failure of No Child Left Behind. Here she provides ample data and background to justify her current belief that standardized tests and the choice movement have ravaged American education. She names names and is critical even of the philanthropists who have funded many of the educational reform movements. While her documentation is thorough, her proposed alternatives do not have the same weight of research; they come across as opinions. Definitely worth reading and debating as schools continue to struggle to reach unrealistic goals. I am endlessly curious about American educational history and this book provided a fine overview of the past several decades. Once a proponent of market-based reforms, Ravitch is now a loud critic of charter schools, vouchers, and the ubiquity of standardized testing. The final chapter and an updated epilogue lay out her own formula for helping improve America's schools: more training and respect for public school teachers, a full liberal arts education for all students with vocational options for those interested, and social service supports starting with prenatal care.
Some good points and quotes, but she contradicts herself and made me angry quite a few times...
—sammyvromero
A must-read for anybody who thinks they know what is going on with modern public education.
—jea
Excellent. Wish it was required reading for all.
—nobaed
Everyone should read this book.
—superstarmabel
Great perspectives!
—jane22081988
