The Death and Life of the Great American School System: An Urgent Call to Action

The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education

by Diane Ravitch

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1225 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	399 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

The American school system is in crisis. Our students are falling behind their peers in other developed countries, and our teachers are feeling overwhelmed and under-resourced. The system is failing our children, and it is time for a change.

In her new book, The Death and Life of the Great American School System, Diane Ravitch argues that the American education system has been undermined by a series of misguided policies, including the No Child Left Behind Act, the Common Core State Standards, and high-stakes testing. These policies have narrowed the curriculum, stifled creativity, and led to a decline in student achievement.

Ravitch draws on decades of research and experience to show how these policies have failed our schools. She argues that the No Child Left Behind Act, which was designed to improve student achievement, has actually had the opposite effect. The law's focus on high-stakes testing has led to a narrowing of the curriculum and a teaching to the test mentality. As a result, students are learning less and are less prepared for college and careers.

The Common Core State Standards, which were developed by a group of states and the federal government, are also a major problem, according to Ravitch. The standards are too ambitious and are not aligned with the needs of most students. They have also led to a one-size-fits-all approach to education, which does not take into account the different needs of different students.

High-stakes testing is another major problem in the American education system. These tests are used to determine whether students are promoted to the next grade or graduate from high school. The tests are often biased against students from low-income families and students of color. They also lead to stress and anxiety for students and teachers.

Ravitch argues that these policies have created a system that is failing our students. She calls for a return to local control, a focus on teaching the basics, and a commitment to equity and excellence for all students.

The Death and Life of the Great American School System is a powerful and urgent call to action for anyone who cares about the future of education in America. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the current state of education and who is committed to making a difference.

About the Author

Diane Ravitch is a leading expert on education policy. She is a research professor of education at New York University and a former assistant secretary of education under President George H.W. Bush. Ravitch is the author of several books on education, including The Language Police: How Pressure Groups Restrict What Students Learn and The Death and Life of the Great American School System.

The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education

by Diane Ravitch

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1225 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	399 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE