If you care about the education of a child, you need this book. Comprehensive and easy to use, it will inform, empower, and encourage you.
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reviews
Jan 08, 2009
Sahara
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This book is just another "what children should learn when" title. Its long-winded, boring and only mildly helpful to a parent. It was the seed for the popular "what your ___ grader should know series" based on the CORE knowledge series. I don't find arbitrary timelines such as 'in second grade study the geography of Asia' helpful or realistic whether it comes from this book or others. My son is considered a second grader and he has no context or reason for learning Asian
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Nov 20, 2011
Hafidha
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Use this as one of my homeschooling references, though I take some of the moralizing with a grain of salt considering that William Bennett is the source. Happy to have found this in a used bookstore so he didn't actually get any of my money. Political and religious orientations aside, the chapters about early childhood make sense, and I really like the way the book is organized. I also don't necessarily agree with all his conservative takes on controversial teaching methodologies, but there is
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Sep 30, 2009
Deanna
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This is an excellent reference for what education should be. The authors' politics do come through and although they don't match mine, I found some of the differences refreshing. Rather than undermine the points made, they give some good balance to some of the other materials I have been reading.
The author is very specific about defending the idea that we must teach children certain information as part of their education. If that sounds obvious, it's in response to the idea tha More...
The author is very specific about defending the idea that we must teach children certain information as part of their education. If that sounds obvious, it's in response to the idea tha More...
Jul 28, 2010
Givenpreciousjules
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An absolute lifeline for me. I am going to keep it near by like one might have a medical dictionary in the home. [Side note: I was not concerned with the Author's personal direction of the book, clearly he holds certain disappointments to some of the deteriorations of our educational institutions, however there were only minor reflections in his speaking. His emphasis was presenting a realistic guide to what our expectation levels should be documented from grade to grade. This allows for an op
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Mar 27, 2009
Eve
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This book has been a saving grace for my son's education. Yes, he is only in kindergarten, but we have already had many difficulties with his his education. With the failing Arizona school system and a teacher that is well-past-ready to retire, his curriculum was lacking. After many meetings with his teacher and the principal with little results, I turned to this book to help me suppliment his education. He has now been excepted into a prestigous advanced reading program and has just brought hom
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Dec 23, 2009
I didn't read this cover to cover, so I can't vouch for everything Bennett says here. I nodded my head in agreement with the sections on instilling a love for reading at home, demanding high expectations from schools, and what makes a bad teacher. The middle-school English curricula he suggests seems quite sound (except for the inclusion of Bible stories), going back to a time when students were expected to spell, compose and read classics. Too bad this guy wasn't around when No Child Left Behi
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Aug 03, 2010
Clarissa
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This is a thick book with large print on the spine so it caught my eye as I was leaving the library. It is meant for parents of young children, which I am not, but I am enjoying it anyway. I don't think it is meant to be read straight through as I did, but I find a lot of the authors' points to be interesting. For example, I loved his defense of history, civics and geography as important school subjects.
Mar 13, 2010
Cindy
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Bennett may be a slightly repugnant individual but he makes a good case for a classical education and has compiled an excellent series of benchmarks for parents. I highly recommend this book for homeschoolers especially.
May 09, 2009
Tish
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This is among my stacks of books I use to add to what my children learn in school. Our public school is lacking greatly in educating our children. This book gives some idea on when and what children should learn.
May 01, 2009
Steven
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Great resource on education. Cogent and persuasive argument for no television--ever--except on non-school nights.
(It'd be tough, but I could do it if the wife would support me.)
(It'd be tough, but I could do it if the wife would support me.)
Mar 18, 2009
Rachel
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This book is fabulous for first time homeschoolers, or anyone wondering what a great, broad, well rounded education looks like.
Oct 25, 2010
Laura
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This book is an absolute must read for any parent with a child in school. Its one I would like to own and go back and reference.
Jun 27, 2008
Tara
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This is one of my "bible" books! I love this book and it is a MUST READ for anyone who has a child! I believe this book should be put in the diaper bags they give you at the hospital. Bennett is a former Secretary of Education. He wrote this book detailing for parents what to look for in their local schools so that parents can make educated and smart decisions on their children's education. One of my all time favorite books and I tell everyone with children that they HAVE to read
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Oct 16, 2008
Jessica
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My poor copy has underlining, highlighting, etc. A great read for any parent, whether homeschooling, private schooling, or public schooling!! It does not 'bash' any method of schooling, but instead discusses what your kiddos ought to be getting out of their education. was a real bolster for me and my decision to homeschool.
I feel wretched because my cousin sent it to me July 2001 and I didn't read it till spring of 2005. i'm very grateful to her for sharing it with me!!
I feel wretched because my cousin sent it to me July 2001 and I didn't read it till spring of 2005. i'm very grateful to her for sharing it with me!!
Feb 26, 2009
I'm holding off on reviewing this. I did not read the whole thing. I neglected to notice that the library copy I have had apparently been dropped in water. (at least I hope it's water). The first 50 pages are gross. Having said that, it does look like something I want to own. I was impressed by what I had read before I decided I couldn't read anymore!
May 12, 2008
Mara
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Wow! William Bennett apparently has a lot of free time. I couldn't believe how much information is in this book. It's a great check-up for determining where your kids are academically. I also checked where was academically, and let's just say it ain't pretty. (Did I just say ain't???? Case in point...)
Feb 22, 2008
Jani
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I am a sucker for anything related to our kid's education. This book gives very good direction on important concepts our kids should know and what books they should read. It does it in a grade by grade format. The author is Bill Bennett, former sec. of education and a brilliant man.
Sep 18, 2010
Charles
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An incredible book for anyone interested in helping out their kids' education. Not a pessimistic view of the educational system, but rather, a good idea of how & with what you can supplement your child's education.
Sep 01, 2009
Kathrynn
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I love this book! I believe this book is a must have for parents of school age children. Wonderfully laid out and very informative. Hats off to the author for putting this little jewel together.
Jan 30, 2009
Kelli
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Good overall information, but somewhat oversimplified, and lacking in any recognition that children learn best when they learn at their own pace.
Jan 29, 2008
Angelyn
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I enjoyed this book about educating our children. Bill Bennett was the Secretary of Education under Ronald Reagan and he know's his stuff.
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