The Parents' Guide to Alternatives in Education [Paperback]

Ronald Koetzsch Ph.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2, 1997

The Parents' Guide to Alternatives in Education is the first book to describe the full range of current alternatives in education. It highlights some of the current trends in education and then deals in detail with twenty-three different education alternatives. For each it gives the history, philosophy, practice, a description of a representative school, and a resource section including sources of more information and suggestions for further reading.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This book is meant to be a consumer's guide to 22 forms of alternative education available to children whose parents choose not to send them to public schools. It also offers an historical perspective of American education, along with the history behind each of the specific alternatives. Koetzsch, senior writer for Natural Health magazine and founding editor of Renewal: A Journal for Waldorf Education, first deals with current important topics such as conflict resolution and multicultural education, pairing them with appropriate alternative programs. Then he details each form of education, including where such schools can be found and resources for more information. An unbiased presentation that will be a welcome addition to most public libraries.?Terry A. Christener, Hutchinson P.L., Kan.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Parents looking for alternatives to their neighborhood public school for any reason—cultural, religious, ideological, or personal—will find a wide range of information here." —MultiCultural Review



"An unbiased presentation."— Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; 1st edition (June 2, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570620679
• ISBN-13: 978-1570620676
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 0.5 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,336,948 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Open your mind to the possibilities...., May 17, 1999

By 

Stacy "Librarian" (Wonderous New England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Parents' Guide to Alternatives in Education (Paperback)

I came across this book at my local library while searching for info on Montessori education. It showed me so many wonderful ways of educating children that I would never have been aware of! It is a clear and concise overview of educational alternatives, with specific examples of schools or persons relating their experiences. It is a valuable tool for anyone looking to expand their knowledge or enhance their childrens education in a non-traditional way. It gave me some great ideas that I plan to take to my local public school administrators!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great overview!, March 2, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Parents' Guide to Alternatives in Education (Paperback)

I picked this book up at my public library. I wanted an overview on education in America and the different philosophies on education. I started to xerox so many pages out of it, that I decided to buy it. I am a teacher and I remember my teaching classes (years ago)on different theories of education. When you are new to teaching, you have a view of what you want to do in the classroom, but little experience to see what works. Now, years later, I am able to reflect on my philosophy of education with more depth. This book gave me new ideas that I didn't know existed out there. I like many of these alternatives. The truth is that every student is different and we need a variety of methods to reach each one. I can tell that the author is a bit biased. He clearly prefers a few methods (who doesn't) , but I still appreciate his effort. The overview and structure of the book are well-done.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful guide for parents, April 14, 2000

By 

Kathleen K. Melonakos (Escondido, CA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Parents' Guide to Alternatives in Education (Paperback)

I found this detailed catalogue helpful in understanding what is available in education today. I recommend the book to parents leery of the secularism,"multiculturalism," the "psychologized classroom", and other educational hazards which are now the order of the day in government schools. Koetzche's book should help parents find schools that are compatible with their values. Koetzsch writes concise, 2-4 page discriptions of the major types of schools, both public and private, with the history, philosophy, and methods which constitute them. He tries to maintain neutrality, and most of the time he succeeds; but at times he seemed to be way too easy on so-called "progressive" education, presenting what its proponents say are the advantages, but not enough of what the critics say in rebuttal. At the same time, I could detect slight hints that he was less than enthusiastic about religious schools, but he gave them a pretty fair shake, nonetheless. Just take what he says with a grain of salt and go observe schools yourself. If you don't know what Montessori is all about, or Waldorf schools, or Friends schools, or Christian schools, or Catholic, or Foxfire, or Carden, but you want to become more informed, this is the book for you. He tells you where you can find out more information at the end of each description. He also tells about homeschooling, and has a chapter on how to start your own school.