First published in 1984, this best-selling classic is Theodore Sizer's eloquent call to arms for school reform. In a new preface, Sizer addresses t...
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reviews
Aug 27, 2010
Wes
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Having never posted a comment on this site before, but now being inspired to do so because of this one book should be a witness in itself to how much I was moved by this piece of writing. Sizer seems to have filled this book with eloquent and passionate explanations of every thought that I have ever had concerning America's schools, and more importantly, every thought that I have only felt over the horizon but never been able to fully grasp or put into words.
If I could say on More...
If I could say on More...
Jan 01, 2009
Shana
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It's clear that the book is at least twenty years old, but that doesn't dilute its point: that the way high schools are set up is counterintuitive in many ways to the things we want high schoolers to learn and demonstrate in preparation for when we eventually drop them unceremoniously into the "real world." The author's solution is controversial to say the least, not to mention an unwieldy premise to consider implementing: that high schools allow students who demonstrate basic competen
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Dec 30, 2011
Zac
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We lost a light in education when we lost Ted Sizer. I heard these words repeated in some form or another when Sizer passed away. They weren't words I understood until I read Horace's Compromise this past semester. Sizer not only paints an accurate and detailed picture of traditional American public schools, he presents shifts of thinking and action that can help as well.
This has become one of the books I first recommend to teachers about to enter the classroom and non-teachers who want a s More...
This has become one of the books I first recommend to teachers about to enter the classroom and non-teachers who want a s More...
Dec 25, 2011
Terry Crawford
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read this a few years ago ... within the cyclical nature of education, old ideas do become new once again. I enjoyed revisiting.If you liked this, I recommend Teaching Education and Academics at the turn of the century
Aug 27, 2009
David
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This is, comparatively, a very easy book to read about the subject of the problems of education. It is clear and smart. The author illustrates how the average high school teacher ends up with only a few minutes to devote to each student every week. He proposes a remedy, which he expands upon in subsequent books.
Mar 23, 2011
Ron
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A gift from a dear friend I miss. The content of the book is reflected in the scratch piece of paper where I brainstormed options for my upcoming summer: work in an inner city school, internship, or a master's in teaching writing.
Jun 28, 2009
Ken
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An excellent treatment of the problems facing high school in America. Every high school teacher should read this.
Jun 12, 2011
Janet
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Loved it. Love his ideas and wish we were more willing to start over with our educational system altogether
Dec 28, 2008
Rebecca
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This book is a landmark illustration in the dilemma of teaching, especially lifelong teachers. What do you do to survive in a job that is near impossible in scope? What choices go through a person's head in this situation?
Dec 28, 2009
jacky
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I never finished this one. It was too much theory for me and was also one too many things for me to do at a busy time. I'm thinking that now that I have four years of teaching behind me this might make more sense.
Jul 05, 2007
Malina
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I was really enjoying this book and was about half way thru when I had to return it to the library since I was moving out of state. I haven't found a copy available near my new residence yet. :(
Jun 15, 2011
Nia
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Just began for a grad class, but so far a good reminder of how high schools should look in theory...
Jan 31, 2008
Atchisson
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If it wasn't so sadly true, it would almost be funny. All teachers should read this.
Jan 30, 2012
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