Friday, May 09, 2008

The Great Expectations School by Dan Brown

Hennepin County Library
hardcover, 267 pages

Wow. The author graduated from film school and participated in the Teaching Fellows program in NYC. After a crash course and some summer school experience, he received a class of notorious fourth graders in the Bronx. His day-to-day reality horrifies me (both for him and for his students). No wonder it's hard to retain teachers in those schools!

More than classroom horror stories, Brown shares some really cool success stories, some observations about what needs to change, and some real insight into disparities in education. (The following year, he was hired at a private school to teach visual media.) The contrast is stark!

This is a worthwhile read for educators. It sure made me appreciate my teaching community even more!

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