Stop the School Bus: Getting Education Reform Back on Track

by Gerald N. Tirozzi

How to put school reform initiatives back on track From one of the largest organizations of public school principals, this book exposes many misguided school reform initiatives that are negatively impacting students and educators across the country, and recommends ways to make them more effective. Veteran educator Gerald Tirozzi addresses all the hottest school reform trends charter schools, teacher merit pay, Race to the Top, Common Core State Standards, and more. While some reform efforts are bringing about positive change, Tirozzi argues, many make egregious promises, lack a research base, fail to address the needs of students and educators, and utilize a "smoke and mirrors" depiction of success. This passionate, engaging book is filled with specific recommendations as to how each of the reform initiative presented can be improved upon and can lead to more meaningful school reform.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

262 pages, Hardcover

First published March 5, 2013

Reviews

[Jenny GB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book addresses current attempts at school reform, examines why they are currently not effective, and offers suggestions for improvements. Tirozzi divides his message into four main areas: teachers, charter school, international comparisons, and the federal role in education. In each section he carefully describes the history behind the subject, such as charter schools, international comparisons, and the federal role in education. He also describes current ideas for reform that are up to date and accurate. He then addresses weaknesses in the current thinking and then devotes a whole chapter in each section to offering multiple well-reasoned ideas for reform.

I don't think I can speak highly enough about this book. As an educator, I know that the reforms Tirozzi is discussing are current, urgent, and at the forefront of the national agenda on education. What Tirozzi has to say may anger some people and other people may reject it, but if it is read with an open mind I think he has an incredibly important message to share. He argues from fact and ample experience with many facets of education. He does not blame any particular political party or group, but does criticize current and past administrations for their poor decisions or failure to act. This book, however, is not about attacking. It is a desperate attempt to get politicians and other policy makers to please listen to those in education that can tell them about the effects of their actions. This is a plea that Tirozzi repeats many times throughout the book. Oh, and the ideas he has! This is the most wonderful part of the book. Too many times I've read books about all the problems with education and been left with no answers. This book offers many answers for many sides of the issues. I find his recommendations for teacher improvement particularly wonderful and I would be so excited if they were implemented. He definitely acknowledges that these changes would take financial commitments, but given the money that we already spend on things that don't work, shouldn't we try this? I don't think his recommendations would fix all problems, but they would do a lot to get schools, teachers, and the federal role in education in a much better place. I sincerely hope that those that have the power to change our nation's course for education read this book and listen to it's message.

[Tanya Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. The guy has a sense of humor too, which is refreshing.

[Brian Cleary · Rating 3 out of 5]

an articulate presentation of some of the issue we, as teacher face daily. but I did not find any new ideas or solution to those issues.