Horace's Compromise: The Dilemma of the American High School [Paperback]

Theodore R. Sizer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 23, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0618516069 | ISBN-13: 978-0618516063 | Edition: None

First published in 1984, this best-selling classic is Theodore Sizer's eloquent call to arms for school reform. In a new preface, Sizer addresses the encouraging movements afoot today for better schools, smaller classes, and fully educated students. Yet, while much has changed for the better in the classroom, much remains the same: rushed classes, mindless tests, overworked teachers. Sizer's insistence that we do more than just compromise for our children's educational futures resonates just as strongly today as it did two decades ago.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Offers the most far-reaching blueprint for change at a time when school reform has become a hot political subject." (Newsweek ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Theordore R. Sizer, University Professor Emeritus at Brown Universtiy, is the chairman of the coalition of Essential Schools. He lives in Harvard, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Mariner Books; None edition (September 23, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618516069
• ISBN-13: 978-0618516063
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #75,966 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book has really opened my eyes., November 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Horace's Compromise: The Dilemma of the American High School (Paperback)

If you're going to be a high school teacher, this book could be a useful tool. First published in 1984, Sizer takes an in-depth look at American high schools. He not only points out strengths and weaknesses, but offers a course of action for how we can make our schools work the best for each individual student. The only problem I really had with the book was that the statistics were outdated but through reading in my Education class, I've found that most of them hold true. It was easy to read and I found the chapters about the average days of students and teachers very telling.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars accurate, realistic, what high schools are really about toda, November 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Horace's Compromise (Study of high schools) (Paperback)

Theodore Sizer accurately portrays high schools in the shape they are in today. He praises where it's due and as is more often the case, addresses areas of concern. However, he doesn't merely throw stones, more importantly he offers solutions. What he is talking about is real restructuring, not simply reorganizing. We need to think carefully about how our schools are designed and do a better job of fitting them to our students' needs. Sizer offers actual interviews with students, teachers, administrators, all the stakeholders in education today. This book could only be written by a man who truly loves kids and schools, yet agonizes over all the wasted opportunities. Sizer wants what we all want, to be more effective in the classrooms. This book is challenging, frustrating, and sometimes joyous, basically what a typical high school teacher feels every day in the front lines of the classroom. A must read for every teacher, regardless of beginner or veteran. It has something for everybody.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An indept look into the shortcomings of h.s. standards., October 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Horace's Compromise: The Dilemma of the American High School (Paperback)

Outstanding, I found this book very easy to read. While reading the book, my high school days were revisited several times. I found myself thinking "did this guy visit my school?" I know he didn't but, I found many similarities the author depicts to my days in high school. I think this book would be a helpful tool to any person interested in teaching high school students. Not only does Sizer address the shortcoming, he also suggest some resolutions to the problems. I would definitely recommend this book to education majors.