Fertilizers, Pills, and Magnetic Strips

I just read this book over the weekend. A very thought provoking read that does not offer solutions to the current problems in education, but explores how we got here. If you are curious about why things are the way they are I highly suggest reading this book. Public education is a reflection of our society and when we really think about the dramatic changes we have undergone in the last hundred years it is amazing we are doing the job we are doing (which by the way is pretty good). The section on international test data comparisons is worth your time alone.

What interested me the most was the transformation of how we pick and choose schools for our children. We are in a very competitive environment whether it is open enrollment, charter schools, private schools, or nearby districts accepting our students. I like this environment, but it does impact how we go about the business of educating all students that walk through our doors.

I didn't agree with Professor Glass' views on testing, as I think we must have neutral system of accountability. My own thoughts are both ends of the political spectrum use testing for their own political purposes - which are not always in the best interests regarding student learning and success.

Give it a read if you have the time.

Fertilizers, Pills, and Magnetic Strips