Class Struggle:: What's Wrong (and Right) with America's Best Public High Schools

This is a great book for school board members, school administrators and teachers to contemplate. Everyone who has a child or teaches them considers himself an expert on education. Yet the best answers to commonly faced challenges are not clear. Should we exclude slower learners from the most challenging classes so the faster learners aren't held back, or does the mix benefit everyone? Should concerns about damaging self esteem prevent us from challenging students who haven't proven themselves fast learners to step up their pace? Should I enroll my "average" child in a highly rated school and hope he will be swept along with the high achievers? Mathews, who is clearly in the "let the kids take their best shot" camp presents the issues clearly and with compassion. Contrary to the opinion of another review this book is as timely today as when it was written in 1996.

Public school education in a town which has upper income, modest income, and basically immigrant income students, and how the school system must cater to the so-called elite students for fear of having the elites leave the system for Chappaqua....the thesis that the 'easy path' students must be pushed to the AP level is told cogently and is a must-read for parents with children in 'ability-grouped' school districts.'

"Class Struggle: What's Wrong (and Right) with America's Best Public Schools, by Jay Mathews" presents an accurate profile of The Mamaroneck School System he uses to explore "the nation's elite high schools." Mr. Mathews validates the problems associated with The Mamaroneck High School, and the elitest attitude of their community. The book acknowledges the two tier education available for students at MHS. As a parent living with a child at MHS, I can attest to the fact that Mr. Mathews has his finger on the pulse of the community. Those students at the top get a different educational experience, than the majority of students. If you are on the wrong part of the track, you get pushed through without any demands and little expected of you. Mr. Mathews describes the inequality of education. MHS has "gate keepers," not allowing all students to access their Advanced Placement Courses. Bravo to the young student who proved the school wrong! Mr. Mathews described this rejected students experience being locked out of the AP course, and how she worked on her own with the assistance of others providing the written materials to take the AP test. She passed the AP course, and proved the school to be narrow thinking. I found Mr. Mathews to be objective and presented an extremely accurate profile of The Mamaroneck High School and other elite schools. Mamaroneck, I am sure reflects the values of other elite schools nationally. It is up to the reader if they want their child to be exerpience this. For some will flourish, for others will be damaged. LET THE STUDENT BEWARE!

A must read for all Westchester County residents. Speaks about many schools mainly focusing on Mamaroneck High School. A very good open minded look at our public school system. What one thinks about our school may not be the truth.