Customer Reviews

Debunking the Middle-Class Myth: Why Diverse Schools Are Good for All Kids

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

For anyone interested in the whole debate about public schools vs private schools, this is the book to read. Kugler raises many of the issues/problems surrounding public schools, then thoughtfully and persuasively sheds the myths and makes the case for the rich diversity offered by public school settings. Yes, it's a factual book. But, just as importantly, it's an inspiring story that needs to be shared with parents, educators and policymakers alike. Read it, then help spread its important message: diverse schools are good for all kids, using all kinds of different measures. As a long-time fan of the public schools, I am re-armed and re-energized for the heated debates over this most sensitive topic after having read Debunking the Middle Class Myth.

As an educator who has taught in "well-run diverse schools," I am grateful for Ms. Kugler's important book. Not only does she address, head-on, the myths that poison our thinking about today's diverse public schools but she also articulates the truths which ought inform our decisions about our childrens' schooling. Most importantly, she presents powerful models to those of us who would "reap the rich harvest of our diverse schools." Eileen Kugler has done a tremendous service to public education by writing this book.

Ms. Kugler's text is both inspirational and informative, written in such a way that will help educators, students, parents and others understand and appreciate the diversity of modern American public schools.

As an educator in a high school similar to the one described by Eileen Kugler, I find her assessment extremely astute and important. Our world is becoming more and more diverse. Children must learn to live and appreciate this new environment. I believe Ms. Kugler gives an honest, straightforward and wonderful picture of the benefits of a multi-ethnic education.
Also, the book is a pleasure to read. It is well written and a good "story". Thank you Ms. Kugler.

Eileen Kugler has written the most optimistic book I've ever read regarding multiculturalism in the schools. Cultural diversity in education doesn't merely refer to segregation, but to addressing the challenges of bridging academic and social gaps that prevent the school from becoming an interconnected community. Mrs. Kugler's book proves that, with hard work, dedicated parents, and an administration committed to finding out what its students need, diversity brings educational and personal benefits to its recipients beyond acceptance and tolerance. Mrs. Kugler includes specific examples and suggestions for creating a desirable multicultural environment.

After hearing the author speak I couldn't wait to read her book. I read it in one weekend and there were so many great points I filled it with sticky notes for my principal and superintendent. What a great read. This book is relevant, well written and filled with interesting anecdotes which educators, parents and community members will certainly relate to with ease.

If you want to create a rich world of academic and social
interaction, 'diversify' by tearing down walls and
creating a kaleidoscope of unity. This theme is most
evident in Eileen Kugler's book - DEBUNKING the
MIDDLE CLASS MYTH. Her depth and dimension
regarding the beauty and need for diverse schools
is extremely concise and well written. A MUST read
for parents and educators!

Kugler is very appreciative of culture that is different from her white middle-class background. It's very useful to hear about how Annandale HS was a good place for her children. However, she doesn't seem to see that she is intolerant of viewpoints that differ from her own. I remember that she objected to her daughter being fed only one viewpoint in college -- but that's what her book is trying to do. And when one of her children is appalled that a friend is fine with paying for college courses that he knows he will fail, we aren't given the option of understanding that some people feel that that's a valid use of money in some cases.

We read and discussed this book in a graduate school class on the foundations of multicultural education, and Kugler came to our class to discuss the book. I was struck at how hostile she was to any ideas that did not completely fall in line with hers. It seems to me that part of the point of education is to learn from each other's ideas. Maybe she doesn't feel that way.

Sorry but this crap about diversity is good sticks in my craw. There is nothing good about inviting millions of people to come here and bring their own language and culture with them and turn our communities into mini versions of their own countries. I'm sick and tired of having people say diversity is good. IT IS NOT. Diversity breeds wars. Where there is human diversity forced to live together - wars between them are the consequence. Why? BECAUSE THEY ARE DIFFERENT. Humans are tribal and seek out their own kind. If you inject people who retain a different culture into communities there will BE A DIVIDE there. This is human nature and no amount of programming by people like Ms Kugler is going to change that!

There is nothing wrong with learning about other cultures and appreciating them IN THEIR OWN COUNTRIES. Why do we need to have their culture shoved down our throats and in our own schools and communities???? The very cultural FABRIC of this nation is under attack and it is this cultural fabric that has made this country great and now people like Ms Kugler want to dilute it and tear it apart by "embracing" diversity.

GET LOST!