Schools in Crisis

Schools in Crisis PDF Author: Carl Sommer
Publisher: Advance Publishing, Incorporated
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 360

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Book Description
The national educational crisis can be solved by practical yet inexpensive methods, according to Carl Sommer. Shortly after becoming a high school teacher, he found serious limitations with the education his students received. He probed into the reasons why some schools were successful, even among traditionally low-achieving children, while so many others failed to provide students with a proper education. He interviewed parents, students, teachers, assistant principals, and principals. For 10 years he researched to find solutions for the problems facing American education. One basic reason for the massive educational decline, Sommer believes, is that many administrators have embraced progressive policies, such as: not encouraging reasonable educational standards for both students and teachers, lack of concern over students' deficiency in the basics, and permitting unqualified children to advance automatically from grade to grade.

Schools in Crisis

Schools in Crisis PDF Author: Carl Sommer
Publisher: Advance Publishing, Incorporated
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 360

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Book Description
The national educational crisis can be solved by practical yet inexpensive methods, according to Carl Sommer. Shortly after becoming a high school teacher, he found serious limitations with the education his students received. He probed into the reasons why some schools were successful, even among traditionally low-achieving children, while so many others failed to provide students with a proper education. He interviewed parents, students, teachers, assistant principals, and principals. For 10 years he researched to find solutions for the problems facing American education. One basic reason for the massive educational decline, Sommer believes, is that many administrators have embraced progressive policies, such as: not encouraging reasonable educational standards for both students and teachers, lack of concern over students' deficiency in the basics, and permitting unqualified children to advance automatically from grade to grade.

The Crisis of School Violence

The Crisis of School Violence PDF Author: Marianna King
Publisher: MSU Press
ISBN: 1628954140
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 335

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Book Description
The Crisis of School Violence is the only interdisciplinary book about school violence. It presents a broad and in-depth approach to the key questions about why bullying continues at an unprecedentedly high rate and why rampage school shootings continue to shock the nation. Based on extensive research, The Crisis of School Violence investigates human nature and its relation to aggressive behavior, with a special focus on the culture of violence that predicates school violence (including rampage shootings) and perpetuates industries that profit from violence. Marianna King presents the considerable psychological and neuroscientific research that investigates the effects of violent entertainment media on the brain and, subsequently, on behavior, which clearly reveals a causal connection between exposure to violent electronic entertainment media—especially violent video games—and increased aggressive and violent behavior. The book also reveals a more specific connection between exposure to violent video games and rampage school shootings. Ultimately this volume is a call to action that includes recommendations for parents, teachers, decision makers, and citizens alike.

Ending Zero Tolerance

Ending Zero Tolerance PDF Author: Derek W Black
Publisher: NYU Press
ISBN: 1479886084
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 248

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Book Description
Answers the calls of grassroots communities pressing for integration and increased education funding with a complete rethinking of school discipline In the era of zero tolerance, we are flooded with stories about schools issuing draconian punishments for relatively innocent behavior. One student was suspended for chewing a Pop-Tart into the shape of a gun. Another was expelled for cursing on social media from home. Suspension and expulsion rates have doubled over the past three decades as zero tolerance policies have become the normal response to a host of minor infractions that extend well beyond just drugs and weapons. Students from all demographic groups have suffered, but minority and special needs students have suffered the most. On average, middle and high schools suspend one out of four African American students at least once a year. The effects of these policies are devastating. Just one suspension in the ninth grade doubles the likelihood that a student will drop out. Fifty percent of students who drop out are subsequently unemployed. Eighty percent of prisoners are high school drop outs. The risks associated with suspension and expulsion are so high that, as a practical matter, they amount to educational death penalties, not behavioral correction tools. Most important, punitive discipline policies undermine the quality of education that innocent bystanders receive as well—the exact opposite of what schools intend. Derek Black, a former attorney with the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, weaves stories about individual students, lessons from social science, and the outcomes of courts cases to unearth a shockingly irrational system of punishment. While schools and legislatures have proven unable and unwilling to amend their failing policies, Ending Zero Tolerance argues for constitutional protections to check abuses in school discipline and lays out theories by which courts should re-engage to enforce students’ rights and support broader reforms.

Failing at School

Failing at School PDF Author: Camille A. Farrington
Publisher: Teachers College Press
ISBN: 0807772747
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 209

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Book Description
Roughly half of all incoming ninth graders across urban districts will fail classes and drop out of school without a diploma. Failing at School starts with the premise that urban American high schools generate such widespread student failure not because of some fault of the students who attend them but because high schools were designed to stratify achievement and let only the top performers advance to higher levels of education. This design is particularly detrimental for low-income, racial/ethnic minority students. To get different results, Farrington proposes fundamental changes based on what we now know about how students learn, what motivates them to engage in learning, and what kinds of educational systems and structures would best support their learning. “This is a groundbreaking and eye-opening study because it does what few studies of high school truly do: get inside the hearts and minds of teen-agers and show what their experience of school looks and feels like to them. The analysis of students who fail is revealing and powerful. There are poignant and revealing stories of just how a few student mistakes or teacher insensitivities lead to unfortunate and long-lasting results. More importantly, these case studies, their nuances, and their implications take us beyond the clichés and simplistic theories about schools and reform. Most importantly, we read of tangible and intelligent solutions that can be instituted, based on the facts on the ground. I highly recommend this book to everyone interested in getting beyond the typical talking points of school reform.” —Grant Wiggins, Authentic Education “Camille Farrington details how high schools trap students along developmental trajectories distorted by structural factors—resources, values and practices—beyond their control. Grounded firmly in research, she describes a better way forward. This book is an important contribution to the re-visioning of American high schools.” —Ronald F. Ferguson, faculty director, Achievement Gap Initiative, Harvard University "Why is there such a pattern of failure in urban high schools? This is a vital issue for every city in America. Camille Farrington’s analysis of the roots of this problem and suggestions for structural changes to break this cycle is the best I have seen. This book combines research and practitioner wisdom with common sense and heart, and for those of us engaged in this work, presents concrete directions for positive change.” —Ron Berger, chief academic officer, Expeditionary Learning Book Features: Offers concrete strategies for redesigning high schools based on four dimensions of student achievement—structural, academic, developmental, and motivational. Highlights the voices of students to illustrate fundamental problems with the way we currently “do school.” Addresses the new Common Core State Standards and the potential of this major reform effort to move us toward equity and excellence. Camille A. Farrington is a research associate (assistant professor) at The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration and the Consortium on Chicago School Research and director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment for the Network for College Success.

Preparing for Crises in the Schools

Preparing for Crises in the Schools PDF Author: Stephen E. Brock
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 438

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Book Description
A step-by-step guidebook for advance preparation and early response to school crises This Second Edition of Preparing for Crises in the Schools arrives at a critical moment. With several recent dramatic examples of school violence and other tragedies afflicting communities nationwide, the need for school districts to take proactive measures–rather than merely react to a crisis–is critical. This completely updated edition offers practical plans for laying the important groundwork to ensure that crisis response will be both immediate and thorough in the wake of tragedy. Authored by three school crisis response planning experts, it offers advice on early detection of trouble, developing plans and procedures to intervene with youths quickly and successfully, and conducting a school in-service workshop on crisis response planning and intervention. Essential for counselors, school psychologists, teachers, and administrators alike, this book helps ensure that schools are not caught by surprise when a crisis occurs.

High Schools in Crisis

High Schools in Crisis PDF Author: Community Resources Limited
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : High schools
Languages : en
Pages : 390

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Book Description


High Schools in Crisis

High Schools in Crisis PDF Author: Ellen Hall
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 0313052190
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 208

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Book Description
This book exposes the degree of rage today's teenagers feel and how our nation's schools are failing them, not just academically, but in just about every way imaginable. Hall and Handley propose practical techniques, procedures, and core values that can make high school a safe learning environment once again. Drawing from their many years of experience administering a high school that provided a safe and fulfilling learning environment, they introduce readers to teaching techniques, administrative policies, and design ideas that encourage students to speak out, express their indomitable idealism, and feel welcome and accepted. The learning process works best when students are supported, encouraged, and accepted. The authors tell the story of a special school—Mountain View—that upholds a strong belief in the value of each student through smaller classes, experiential learning, and an awareness of community in and out of school. This book describes the journeys of students who were angry, unsure, or struggling with various labels of learning disabilities, as well as students who were successful in the traditional educational system but sought more opportunities for creativity and self-expression. Their stories are told in the context of how to build and run a school that is keenly attuned to teenagers' needs. Twenty Questions for Parents help to pinpoint issues and difficulties children may be struggling with. Also included is a bibliography of helpful sources and suggested readings. In keeping with the efforts of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to support small high schools around the United States, this book provides a blueprint for parents, school districts, and communities.

Schools in Crisis

Schools in Crisis PDF Author: Barna Group,
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 0310433436
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 73

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Book Description
Millions of children are not fulfilling their God-given potential in many of our nation's classrooms. Their potential and purpose is being left on the floor of classrooms in many low-income communities. What may God have called them to do? How is a substandard education prohibiting them from accomplishing that purpose? In what ways are Christians and churches accountable for that? How are we our brother and sister's keeper with respect to a quality education? Join Nicole Baker Fulgham, formerly on the national staff of Teach for America and the founder of The Expectations Project, as she explores what our role is in solving the nation's crisis for public education. This Barna Frame explores a critical topic of our time - schools in crisis.

Locating the Dropout Crisis. Which High Schools Produce the Nation's Dropouts?

Locating the Dropout Crisis. Which High Schools Produce the Nation's Dropouts? PDF Author: Robert Balfanz
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 49

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Book Description
The purpose of this report was to locate the dropout crisis- to determine its scale and scope by identifying the number of high schools with severe dropout problems, detailing the states, cities, and locales where they are concentrated, and establishing who attends them. For this analysis of high schools across the country, two cut-points were used to identify those that have high dropout and low graduation rates. The first cut point is high schools in which there are 50% or fewer seniors than freshmen four years earlier. These high schools are classified as those with the worst promoting power in the U.S. because in these schools students have less than a 50/50 chance of graduating on time, if at all. The second cut point used was high schools in which there are 60% or fewer seniors than freshmen. This second cut point was added because analysis of the data revealed a large number of high schools with promoting power between 50% and 60%. It is analytically useful to isolate the high schools with the worst promoting power but also identify all high schools in which graduation is likely not the norm. Identifying high schools with promoting power of 60% or less provides a good estimate of the number of high schools with severe dropout rates and thus can be used to locate the high schools which produce the majority of the nation's dropouts. Findings include in this study, but are not limited to the following: (1) Nearly half of our nation's African American students, nearly 40% of Latino students, and only 11% of white students attend high schools in which graduation is not the norm; (2) Between 1993 and 2002, the number of high schools with the lowest levels of success in promoting freshmen to senior status on time (a strong correlate of high dropout and low graduation rates) increased by 75%, compared with only an 8% increase in the total number of high schools; and (3) There are currently between 900 and 1,000 high schools in the country in which graduating st a 50/50 proposition. In 2,000 high schools, a typical freshman class shrinks by 40% or more by the time the students reach their senior year. This represents nearly one in five regular or vocational high schools in the U.S. that enroll 300 or more students. The following are appended: (1) Additional Tables; and (2) Technical Notes.

Exam Schools

Exam Schools PDF Author: Chester E. Finn, Jr.
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 1400844576
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 264

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Book Description
An in-depth look at academically selective public high schools in America What is the best education for exceptionally able and high-achieving youngsters? Can the United States strengthen its future intellectual leadership, economic vitality, and scientific prowess without sacrificing equal opportunity? There are no easy answers but, as Chester Finn and Jessica Hockett show, for more than 100,000 students each year, the solution is to enroll in an academically selective public high school. Exam Schools is the first-ever close-up look at this small, sometimes controversial, yet crucial segment of American public education. This groundbreaking book discusses how these schools work--and their critical role in nurturing the country's brightest students. The 165 schools identified by Finn and Hockett are located in thirty states, plus the District of Columbia. While some are world renowned, such as Boston Latin and Bronx Science, others are known only in their own communities. The authors survey the schools on issues ranging from admissions and student diversity to teacher selection. They probe sources of political support, curriculum, instructional styles, educational effectiveness, and institutional autonomy. Some of their findings are surprising: Los Angeles, for example, has no "exam schools" while New York City has dozens. Asian-American students are overrepresented—but so are African-American pupils. Culminating with in-depth profiles of eleven exam schools and thoughtful reflection on policy implications, Finn and Hockett ultimately consider whether the country would be better off with more such schools. At a time of keen attention to the faltering education system, Exam Schools sheds positive light on a group of schools that could well provide a transformative roadmap for many of America's children.