In a recent review of the book, “Why School? Reclaiming Education for All of Us”, Literacynews.com discusses the compilation of essays that explore, discuss and debate the real value of education in today’s society. Per the site review, “UCLA Education Professor Mike Rose poses critical questions about our fundamental beliefs about education. What is unique about education in a democracy? Why do we send our children to school? Why do so many fail and how can we reach them.”
Rose points out that holding high standards for students is different from standardization. He urges Americans to think about what schools should do and should be. He encourages us to think about why education is important in a democracy. In a democracy, do we want to produce young people simply prepared for the world of work, trained to demonstrate a particular kind of knowledge on a particular type of test? Does this prepare a young person to be a good citizen? Is more required? Rose suggests that perhaps there is more… courage, civility, understanding, intellect, curiosity, imagination.
Check out Rose’s book to experience” the feel and clatter of teaching and learning” and to consider what we want our schools to do and to be, to think about the basic tenets of education in and for democracy.
Posted By: Paul Adams
Tuesday, July 6th 2010 at 12:07PM
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