The Whole Language/Obe Fraud: The Shocking Story of How America Is Being Dumbed Down by Its Own Education System [Paperback]

Samuel L. Blumenfeld (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 351 pages
• Publisher: Paradigm Co (November 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0941995097
• ISBN-13: 978-0941995092
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #817,163 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Samuel L. Blumenfeld is a resident of suburban Boston. He is a native New Yorker who was educated in the public schools of New York city and City College of New York. Before turning full-time writer he was a book and magazine editor. To give himself frontline experience for his books on education he served as a substitute teacher in the Quincy, Massachusetts, public schools. He is chairman of the Massachusetts branch of the Reading Reform Foundation.
Blumenfled's articles have appeared in the New York Times, Herald Tribune, Commentary, American Opinion, Ideas, Reason, Inquiry, American Education, Vital Speeches, Education Digest, American Legion Magazine, Conservative Digest and Boston Magazine. He has authored seven books on the subject of education. Several of his books have been given the highest ratings by Mary Pride and Cathy Duffy, two of the leading homeschool curricula reviewers.He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from Bob Jones University in May 1986.
Dr. Blumenfeld is a popular lecturer, teacher and advisor at many conferences, workshops and conventions, especially homeschool conferences. He has participated in such events on every continent.
Blumenfeld is frequently heard on numerous radio and TV talk shows across the U.S.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A shocking expose of education malpractice, October 19, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Whole Language/Obe Fraud: The Shocking Story of How America Is Being Dumbed Down by Its Own Education System (Paperback)

In 1955, Rudolf Flesch was blackballed by education's "cognitive elite" with the publication of his "Why Johnny Can't Read," which warned that the look-say reading method would cause widespread dyslexia and reading disability. Mr. Flesch was prophetic indeed, and the public schools never heeded his call to restore intensive, systematic phonics. Obviously, the smug education establishment will not appreciate "The Whole Language/OBE Fraud" either, since Mr. Blumenfeld equates their use of whole-language (an "enhanced" version of the dubious look-say method) with educational malpractice, and uses their own words to prove it. Although Mr. Blumenfeld is a conservative, facts are facts . . . and the facts are that whole-language is a very dangerous way to teach a child a read. This book should be read by all parents who wonder why their son or daughter has been labeled dyslexic or reading-disabled. Finally, a voice of reason in education.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book explains why whole language has failed our kids., March 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Whole Language/Obe Fraud: The Shocking Story of How America Is Being Dumbed Down by Its Own Education System (Paperback)

This book really explains why whole language has failed so dismally, and just in case anyone thinks there is no problem with how we teach children to read in American schools, check out the Dept. of Education's 1998 reading achievement statistics. In 1998, 38% of American 4th graders could not read at a basic level; 26% for 8th graders; and 23% for 12th graders. We're not talking about reading complex textbooks or reading at an advanced level, these kids can't read at a BASIC level. The book also exposes how OBE is "dumbing down" our schools. Great book.

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Devastating commentary on public education, September 8, 1999

By 

H.H. Farmer - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Whole Language/Obe Fraud: The Shocking Story of How America Is Being Dumbed Down by Its Own Education System (Paperback)

An expose by the author of the sinister activities of the educational elitists in this country. Why public education can't be fixed! Why we should get our children out of public school...NOW!