Quality School Ri

As I see many of the reviewers here question and doubt the idea of quality schools and choice theory. It has been a few years since I read Choice Theory and Reality Therapy, but I have put the theories into practice in my own life. It is very difficult to let go of the old external control psychology, but it is very possible to make Choice Theory a new habit. Changing the school systems seems like such an enormous task, an almost impossible one. But I think most parents would agree that we need to do something new. There is a reason why Dr. Glasser doesn't go into deep explaination as to how to bring about a Quality School in his book, because he wants teachers and principles to take his classes to learn the theory. This book is an introduction to the theory not a course in how to practice it. And the one reason I don't think he has a lot of statistical information in his book is because at the time of writing it, there wasn't much to give. I believe it is hard for people to admit what they are doing now might not be the best way to do it, thus they resist anything that might suggest to them change. But if you are looking for some way to change your outlook on life, your happiness level, or you child's schools this book and his others are good investments. These books are unlike any other book you will read in the field of psychology.

Following on Dr. Demming's principle that "Quality is Job #1," Glasser lays out a practical approach to revitalizing education in the same way that Demming revitalize the Japanese auto industry in post-WWII. By eliminating coersion, and stimulating pride in one's workmanship by emphasizing quality at every level, from student upto superintendent, it is possible improve the quality of education for all students. It is a humane approach to dealing with problems that plague our schools today: apathy, rebelliousness, low skill and so forth. Glasser boldly demands of us to abandon failing boss tactics that riddle our school for something that will bring the best in everyone.

A copy of this book should be smuggled onto the desks of EVERY principal and superintendant. Suggests ways in which to manage schools so that students are excited about their work and want to go to school! Readers will realize that responsibility should be spread throughout the school system and not placed directly on the shoulders of the teachers! Wonderful reading!

In some ways indebeted to R.M. Pirsig's Amarican classic *Zen and the Art of Motercycle Mantinance*, Glasser argues that the ONLY way to improve our schools is to help students to see the quality in what they are learning and the way they are learning it. When people see that something has quality for them, then (and only then) they begin to care about it. Glasser emphasizes the need to shift from traditional boss-management, to lead-managment which is non-coercive, and so the students see the teacher as a team captain and not as an adversary whose power is resented.

This book demonstrates how important it is to be involved with students' quality worlds. He has a great understanding of what our educational system should be like. We need kids to continually strive to do quality work. Teachers need to be seen as leaders; not boss managers. I have a totaly different view about how I should teach and what to expect from my students. Dr. Glasser proves throughout this book how important a quality school is. He also gives guidelines on how to achieve this goal. This book is a must for every teacher in our nation