Character First: The Hyde School Difference

by Joseph W. Gauld

The story of Maine's famous Hyde School reveals the secret of its success as an educational institution, discussing the school's emphasis on "character first."

179 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1993

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I finished reading Gauld's book last night. I did, indeed, enjoy it very much. He has established a project of great significance to the future of American education. There is too much to be said as to the structure of his school approach to outline here. A few things tand out for me: "the growth of students parallels the growth of their teachers;" "growth, not grades, is the true measure of human development and the best predictor of how a student will fare upon 'graduating' into life;" students undergo 'dysystematization,' " a process by which we help students rid themselves of the unproductive habits and attitudes learned in the system." For an explanation of the latter statement, the book is worth a read alone.

~~My only disagreement with Gauld is to see "the mother as the spiritual cornerstone of the family." Leaving Dad to one side, on the "outs," is to deny a child a very forceful and life-long relationship that will have an equal, and lasting, "spiritual" influence. Also, this view, I believe, does nothing more than foster sterotypes and creates indirect harm for all around.

~~Overall, though, I was very pleased. Now, I will turn to the follow-up "The Biggest Job We'll Ever Have."