Class and Schools: Using Social, Economic, and Educational Reform to Close the Black-White Achievement Gap [Paperback]

Richard Rothstein (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1932066098 | ISBN-13: 978-1932066098 | Publication Date: May 2004

It seems to be a common-sense argument that, if teachers know how to teach reading, or math, or any other subject, and if schools emphasize the importance of these tasks and permit no distractions, children should be able to learn regardless of their family income or skin color. But this perspective is misleading and dangerous. It ignores how social class characteristics in a stratified society like ours influence learning in school. For nearly half a century, the association between social and economic disadvantage and the student achievement gap has been well known to economists, sociologists, and educators. Most, however, have avoided the obvious implication of this understanding, that raising the achievement of lower-class children requires that public policy address the social and economic conditions of these children’s lives, not just school reform.

Editorial Reviews

Review

... powerful volume that needs to be read by scholars, policy makers, and practitioners who have the capacity to shape tomorrow. -- From the preface by Arthur E. Levine, president, Teachers College, Columbia University

About the Author

Richard Rothstein is a research associate of the Economic Policy Institute and a visiting lecturer at Teachers College, Columbia University. He is also the author of The Way We Were? The Myths and Realities of America’s Student Achievement (Century Foundation Press 1998).

Product Details

• Paperback: 210 pages
• Publisher: Economic Policy Institute (May 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932066098
• ISBN-13: 978-1932066098
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #529,174 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must reading on the topic of the black-white achievement gap, August 31, 2004

By 

Edward Fiske (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Class and Schools: Using Social, Economic, and Educational Reform to Close the Black-White Achievement Gap (Paperback)

"Class and Schools" is a perceptive study of what we can - and cannot - expect public schools to do on their own to narrow the black-white achievement gap. Rothstein is particularly astute in his descriptions of the subtle cognigitive and psychological skills that middle class students bring to school and how these skills serve them well, particularly in the upper grades. He also offers a critique of the "outlier" literature that draws overly broad conclusions from the fact that some schools serving disadvantaged students are effective. Many, if not most, readers will take issue with Rothstein over his policy recommendations, but anyone thinking seriously about the achievement gap will have to confront the major points that he makes and the evidence behind them.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting View of Achievement Gap, March 8, 2007

By 

Alessa A. Podolak "LessIsMore" (CT, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Class and Schools: Using Social, Economic, and Educational Reform to Close the Black-White Achievement Gap (Paperback)

This book really takes a look at the different "reasons" behind the Black-White Achievement Gap, because let's face it there still is one and when we talk about "poorer" familes, they tend to make up much of the black population. The book takes into account the very reasons why it is difficult for those who end up in the low achievement bracket, to make their way up the ladder. Quick, easy read and great for those who have an interest in education.

5.0 out of 5 stars A GOOD EXPLANATION FOR THE INEQUALITY IN TODAY'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THE USA, December 25, 2011

By 

Dr. Chris Gelenter (Helena, Arkansas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Class And Schools: Using Social, Economic, And Educational Reform To Close The Black-white Achievement Gap (Paperback)

I had the opportunity to listen to Richard Rothstein speak in Little Rock, Arkansas in 2006. I spoke with him for about 20 minutes after his presentation. Most educators who read his book miss out on many of his messages. There are several. It is more than just a book about Race in Education. He does an excellent job of portraying the differences between traditional public schools and charter schools. He writes at length about how difficult it is to legislate systemic change from any level. He also talks about socio-economics and opportunities and their effect on public education. Many educators agree with Rothstein that the breakdown of the American family is one of the leading systemic problems in American Public Education. There are also many inherent problems with government incompetence and corruption in terms of nationally legislating public education. When Rothstein spoke he was very honest that he was a researcher and not a practitioner in education. But yet his arguments are very compelling. Anybody who thought that this book was just about Race probably needs to sit down and read it again.