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Traditional public education in the US is under attack. This book details the effects of this assault by the proponents of free market schooling and uses data-based research to fend off the attack.
List of contents
Introduction: On Behalf of America's Students
Chapter 1: Free Market Schooling Pushes Traditional Public Education Out on a Limb
Chapter 2: Why Bother with Self-Defense? We're Busy Enough Already!
Chapter 3: What Are Traditional Public Educators Defending?
Chapter 4: Staking A Claim on the Primary Purpose of Traditional Public Education
Chapter 5: In Defense of Traditional Public Education: Intelligence and Thinking
Chapter 6: In Defense of Traditional Public Education: Function
Chapter 7: What Happens When Educators Teach How to Think?
Chapter 8: How Do Traditional Public Educators Know that Self-Defense Is Necessary?
Chapter 9: Don't Say You Weren't Warned! The Dangers of Free Market Schooling
Chapter 10: Mediated Identity in Windows and Mirrors
Chapter 11: The Context of Free Market Testing Invokes a Culture of Failure
Chapter 12: Tales, Stories, Fables, and Myths in the Free Market
Chapter 13: Policymaking: Is that a Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Chapter 14: The Self-Defense Responsibilities of Traditional Public Educators
About the Authors
About the author
Jeff Swensson is a veteran educator who has served in public schools throughout the Midwest. He is the co-author or author of six books that focus on instruction, curriculum, leadership, finance, student learning, and contemporary issues in traditional public education.John Ellis served public education across Indiana as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, superintendent, and Director of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents for more than 43 years. He graduated from Ball State University with a BA in education and a Master’s in Education before earning his Ph.D. from Indiana State University.Michael Shaffer spent just over 25 years as an elementary school principal who developed a boys’ book club with over 100 boys who would skip recess to hang out with him to talk about books, and a Boys Read section of the library to facilitate the ease of book choice and access for boys. He has traveled all over the country speaking about getting boys to read.
Summary
Traditional public education in the US is under attack. This book details the effects of this assault by the proponents of free market schooling and uses data-based research to fend off the attack.
Additional text
As a superintendent, I had the opportunity and good fortune to work with both Don Lifto and Barb Nicol on school tax election initiatives in Minnesota and Wisconsin, all of which passed. Gaining community support for these important initiatives directly benefited students and public education, providing essential resources to address critical funding needs for operations, technology and bricks and mortar. Planning and executing a successful school tax election is one of the most complex and difficult leadership challenges of a superintendent, requiring a comprehensive plan anchored in research, sustained engagement and solid execution. The authors have honed their individual and collective expertise through decades of providing quality consultation to school districts. The 3rd edition of this book provides a comprehensive and effective framework for this important work.
