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The Schools We Need

And Why We Don't Have Them

by E.D. Hirsch

ISBN: 0385484577
ISBN-13: 9780385484572
Format: Hardcover

Summary

Hirsch argues that in eschewing content-based curricula for abstract-and disproved-theories of cognitive development, the educational establishment has done irreparable harm to America's students, and instead of preparing them for the country's highly competitive information-based economy, the process-oriented curricula the establishment practices has severely curtailed their ability, and desire, to learn. Suggesting a curriculum based on hard work, knowledge acquisition and rigorous testing, "The Schools We Need" offers a workable solution.

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Media Reviews

"A brick hurled at the windows of the K-12 educational establishment for serving up content-lite curricula that leaves U.S. elementary and secondary schools among the worst in the developed world."

   -- Kirkus

"In short, there's something here for everyone to hate-partly because Mr. Hirsch is so refreshingly unpolemical. his book presents a sophisticated, scholarly and often compelling argument and it deserves serious consideration, whatever one's political predilections."    -- Sara Mosle

   -- New York Times Book Review

"Progressives in education would tell you that one of John Dewey's central ideas is experimentation-try new ideas to see if you can do better. They seem to have forgotten that if you do worse, you should try something else. E. D. Hirsch's penetrating discussion of why the progressive experiment has failed won't win any applause form those who want more of the same but the rest of us should be grateful for 'The Schools We Need.'"    -- Albert Shanker

"Hirsch must be acknowledged as an invaluable critic of the school system. Even readers with no children will find it worthwhile to peruse and appreciate this masterful exposition."

   -- Rapport

Bibliographic Details

Publisher: Bantam Dell Pub Group
Published date: 1996
Edition: 1th edition
Size: 6.75 x 10 inches
Weight: 1.35 pounds
Pages: 317

Publisher's Notes

The author of Cultural Literacy offers a powerful, compelling, and unassailable argument for reforming Americas schooling methods and ideas.From kindergarten through high school, the American education is the worst in the developed world, and the causes of its failure and any possible solutions to it are hotly disputed. For over fifty years, American schools have operated on the assumption that challenging children is bad for them, teachers do not need to know the subjects they teach, that the learning "process" should be emphasised over the facts taught within it. Yet, as renowned educator and author E. D. Hirsch shows in The Schools We Need, this establishment ideology is a tragedy of good intentions gone awry. Hirsch argues that in eschewing content-based curricula for abstract--and disproved--theories of congnitive development, the educational establishment has done irreparable harm to Americas students, and instead of preparing them for the countrys highly competitive, information-based economy, the process-oriented curricula the establishment practices has severely curtailed their ability, and desire, to learn.Suggesting a curriculum based on hard work, knowledge aquisition, and rigorous testing that has been proven successful time after time, The Schools We Need offers a proficient and workable solution. By providing evidence of numerous studies proving that fact-based education works, and a glossary of brief, authoritative explanations of educational phrases often used to dazzle teachers and the general public, Hirsch proves that if children are taught substantial knowledge and skills, and learn to work hard to acquire them, their test scores will rise, their love of learning will grow, and they will become enthusiastic participants in the information-age civilization.The Schools We Need is a passionate and thoughtful book that will appeal to the millions of people who cant understand why American schools just don't work.

Other Editions

Hardcover - Bantam Dell Pub Group (1996) - from $1.99
Paperback - Random House Inc (1999) - from $6.24

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The Schools We Need and Why

E.D. Jr Hirsch

DoubleDay. Used - Good. Former Library book. Shows some signs of wear, and may have some markings on the inside. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Shipped to over one million happy customers. Your purchase benefits world literacy! (more information)

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