The Promise of Public Education in America

Mike Rose takes you to classrooms across the country and introduces you to teachers who manage to do amazing things under difficult conditions. I found myself wishing I could go back to school again and be a student or teacher in one of those classes. I kept reading aloud passages to my husband--what I was reading was so exciting, I wanted to share it. If new (or weary experienced) teachers want to read something to rev them up, this is the book to read.

This is a great book. Given the negative attacks regularly heard about the American education system, this book is a reminder that there are a lot of teachers who are working tirelessly and taking innovative steps in hope of doing more for their students. The author does a very good job of making the reader feel like they're actually in the classroom and along for the ride during the study. Moreover, the author expertly mixes urban, suburban, and rural settings throughout the book. While the book may come off a bit too rosey in parts, it's probably exactly what's needed given the cloud created, in large part, over the last 8 years.

Everyone from policymakers to parents should read this book, especially if they have anything to do with the educational systems in this country! In response to the negative press public education has gotten over the years (Why Johnny Can't Read, etc) Mike Rose presents some of the inspiring and effective education happening in public schools all over our nation.

Mike Rose travels across the US to many cities and rural areas to find classrooms that are working. He describes teachers who are effective and duly inspiring. Rose is an effective writer since he describes classroom scenes in terrific detail. This is a must read for future educators, current educators, and everyone concerned with what's happening in American education. It is uplifting and truly inspiring.

I read this book as an assignment for a pedagogy class at the graduate level. It was one of those that will probably not stay in my library for very long because I can think of more than 10 teacher friends I want to share it with immediately. In fact, tomorrow morning I will copy particular chapters and mail them. I commend Rose for his attention to detail, his articulate prose, and the hope that he communicates to teachers about kids, school, and learning. I am energized by his enthusiasm for teaching and for his faith in the institution of public education in America.