Angry Parents, Failing Schools [Paperback]

Elaine K. McEwan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 7, 2000

Very good.

Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Shaw Books; Harold Shaw Publishers Paperback, 1998 edition (March 7, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877880190
• ISBN-13: 978-0877880196
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,405,702 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most helpful book for parents - a must-read!, March 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Angry Parents, Failing Schools (Paperback)

As a parent who was having doubts about the curriculum and instructional methods in our schools, I read this book from cover to cover in one night. Elaine McEwan strips the candy coating off such methods as multiage classrooms, School-to-Work, whole language, and Every Day math and exposes them for what they are: viruses that are invading our schools and failing our children. This book not only helps parents identify the problems in their schools, it also gives great advice on how to work at making changes - from dealing with school board members that ignore the facts to listing dozens of websites where parents can get more information. Elaine cuts through the educational jargon used by school officials and writes in a way that is easily understood by all. I urge all parents to read this book - you will be enlightened and empowered by the experience!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A mandatory handbook for all parents of school-aged kids., October 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Angry Parents, Failing Schools (Paperback)

As a parent who knew instinctively that something was amiss at my kids' public school, but didn't have the information handy at the time to help me name the problems, I highly recommend Angry Parents, Failing Schools by Elaine McEwan.

This book, written by a teacher/principal/asst.superintendent, explains the progressive methodology which has led our schools into the tank via whole language, fuzzy math, inventive spelling, etc. She describes in "real person" language the federal education programs, the education establishment's mindset, and the philosophy behind the ill-conceived programs they are promoting.

All parents should have this book to help them understand the current controversial educational landscape in America. Parents will discover the source of that vague uneasiness, or downright frustration so many of us experience each year that our children are in school. And because Angry Parents, Failing Schools was written by an educator, it is not only powerfully credible, but encourages positive action to help heal our public schools. This is a must read for all parents.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worried about your kids' education? Read this book!, September 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Angry Parents, Failing Schools (Paperback)

INITIAL COMMENTS ON:

"ANGRY PARENTS, FAILING SCHOOLS" by Elaine McEwan

I have completed a first read of this book, and I think there is an excellent chance for it to become a "best seller." Dr. McEwan does a great job of explaining many of the concerns voiced by parents in user-friendly language.

Consider the chapter titles:

"Reality Check" "The Customer is Never Right?" "Where Did the Schools Go Wrong?" "The Reading Wars" "Is the 'New Math' Really Fuzzy" "Other Educational Viruses in Schools" "Fifty Plus Things You Can Do"

Those alone say a mouthful about the on-target character of this book.

Some of the things I really liked:

"Tales from the Trenches" are liberally salted throughout the book. These make the points more relevant to common members of the public.

There is extensive identification of web sites. Many are good research sources.

There is a great history of the development of Progressive Education, short and readable. "Progressivism" is nicely compared to traditional education, as well.

The reading wars and the NCTM math deficiencies receive excellent coverage.

There are sources for tests that parents can have individually administered to their children to get around the inadequacies of some current state testing programs.

The book is directed at non-educators, and terms are very nicely explained in everyday language. A large percentage of the public can read this book and understand the problems with little, if any, extra help.

There is an extensive listing of things parents and citizens can do to get active in the education discussions.

And a whole lot more.

This book is a wonderful reference source. The many subjects covered in "Angry Parents, Failing Schools" are well indexed. All are beautifully clear and accurate descriptions that can be easily understood and quoted.

I strongly recommend this book. It should be liberally supplied to legislators, school board members, and anyone else you can think of.