How to Fix South Africa's Schools: Lessons from Schools that Work

by Jonathan Jansen, Molly Blank

South Africa has an education crisis, despite the fact that the government spends the biggest slice of its budget on education, more than any other African country. And yet the crisis persists. Jansen and Blank looked at South African schools that work, in spite of adverse conditions -- schools in poor communities, schools with overcrowded classrooms, schools in both rural and urban environments -- and have drawn out the practical strategies that make them successful. 19 short films (included on DVD or available for streaming or download in digital editions) let you visit these schools and understand in the words of their principals, teachers and learners what makes them succeed. Then take look at the 10 key strategies identified and see how to implement them in other schools to effect transformation. As we have come to expect from Jansen, there are no complicated theories, not difficult to implement solutions -- just lots of common sense!

200 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2014

About the author

Professor Jonathan Jansen is the Vice Chancellor of the University of the Free State, South Africa, where he has earned a formidable reputation for transformation and for a deep commitment to reconciliation in communities living with the heritage of apartheid. He is an educationalist, a former Dean of Education at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, who holds an impressive collection of degrees and awards, including the position as President of the South African Institute of Race Relations. He was born in the Western Cape, South Africa, and has lived in various parts of South Africa and in the United States. He is married with two children.

Reviews

[Natalie Gauche · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshingly positive and encouraging read. Despite great opposition and difficult circumstances, schools can be successful and change futures.

[Helga Schaberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The videos are inspiring and thought-provoking. Deceptively simple. Brilliant.

[Thembi Butelezi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A celebration of schools which are achieving remarkable results despite the odds and circumstances which are prevalent in impoverished and disadvantaged communities.