Possible Lives: The Promise of Public Education in America [Paperback]

Mike Rose (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 1, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0140236171 | ISBN-13: 978-0140236170 | Edition: 0544-

In evocative prose and telling anecdotes, the author of Lives on the Boundary recreates the classrooms he visited in a four-year journey through America's public schools. Rose shows readers how teachers work, how children learn, and what schools do for their neighborhoods. In the process, he offers new hope that by bringing out the best in public education, we can revitalize ourselves as a nation.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

After spending four years visiting public schools throughout the U.S., Rose presents stories of the dedicated teachers and inspired classrooms he encountered.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Rose's probe of classroom politics, public education, and the pros and cons of teaching and learning systems reflects his visits to classrooms across and country and probes the foundations of what happens in good classrooms. Rich images and realities of public education processes contribute to a more positive view of the potentials of public education in this country. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 488 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Books; 0544- edition (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140236171
• ISBN-13: 978-0140236170
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 0.9 x 8.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #195,914 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Good read! February 25, 2001

By Katherine Vande Brake

Format:Paperback

I read this book as an assignment for a pedagogy class at the graduate level. It was one of those that will probably not stay in my library for very long because I can think of more than 10 teacher friends I want to share it with immediately. In fact, tomorrow morning I will copy particular chapters and mail them. I commend Rose for his attention to detail, his articulate prose, and the hope that he communicates to teachers about kids, school, and learning. I am energized by his enthusiasm for teaching and for his faith in the institution of public education in America.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Tired of hearing about what's wrong in education? June 21, 2001

By Charlotte

Format:Paperback

Mike Rose travels across the US to many cities and rural areas to find classrooms that are working. He describes teachers who are effective and duly inspiring. Rose is an effective writer since he describes classroom scenes in terrific detail. This is a must read for future educators, current educators, and everyone concerned with what's happening in American education. It is uplifting and truly inspiring.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring view of what public education can be! December 9, 2003

By Nanine R. Iengo-blomstrom

Format:Paperback

Everyone from policymakers to parents should read this book, especially if they have anything to do with the educational systems in this country! In response to the negative press public education has gotten over the years (Why Johnny Can't Read, etc) Mike Rose presents some of the inspiring and effective education happening in public schools all over our nation.