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JOURNALISTS
Jane David's and Larry Cuban's little 120-page book, "Cutting Through the Hype: A Taxpayer's Guide to School Reforms," will never generate hot headlines... But it's probably the most sensible book about education reform -- its possibilities and its limits -- to appear in a generation... Every would-be school fixer should read it. Peter Schrag, "School reform for dummies: A short primer," The Sacramento Bee June 7, 2006, page B7. http://www.sacbee.com/content/opinion/story/14264900p-15077407c.html (registration required)
My list of recommended readings for this summer consists of only two items. One is rather dated... The other book of this summer's reading list, Cutting Through the Hype (Education Week Press, 2006), ...is a down-to-earth assessment of dozens of education reforms, most of which have been tried or retried since A Nation at Risk was published....On the basis of their assessments of reforms, perhaps the better "risk for the nation" would be to step back and ask, as they do, Does the Reform make sense? Can the reform actually work in classrooms? And are the conditions for success in place? Happy reading. Anne C. Lewis, Washington Commentary, Phi Delta Kappa (June 2006 Vol. 87 No.10) (paid subscription required)
“Cutting Through the Hype is true to its title. This book is for those befuddled by edu-jargon, or simply unfamiliar with the latest in education policy. It's a primer that gives good background information and . . . smartly evaluates recent education reforms . . [It] provides an easy, readable walk through some of education's major reform movements. . . an even-handed introduction to education reform. In fact, if you're teaching a class on education policy, it might make a nice supplement . . ." Sarah Kim, The Education Gadfly (May 11, 2006 Vol. 6 Number 19) http://www.edexcellence.net/institute/gadfly/issue.cfm?edition=&id=238#2796
“Their goal is not balancing budgets but balanced appraisals of the efficiencies and effectiveness of many of the most controversial topics in education. That's the kind of information that can improve achievement and save districts money." Pam Adams, Peoria Journal Star columnist, in “Reconsider District 150 Building Plans” http://www.pjstar.com/stories/051006/PAM_B9P5SCAC.019.shtml
EDUCATORS
"An essential reference for the most widely discussed education reforms—their history, effectiveness, and policy implications. Concise interpretations of the research base make it especially useful.” Michael Kirst, Stanford University School of Education professor and former member of the California State Board of Education
“Exactly the sort of thing that is helpful to read about No Child Left Behind and such . . . I shall share this with other board members and the Superintendent.” Dan Snell, School Board President, Norman, Oklahoma
"A very valuable guide to complex school issues which defy simplistic solutions. The general public would derive great benefits from the brief but incisive analysis of such complicated matters.” Michael D. Usdan, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Education Leadership
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