What if the way we think about education reform is missing its most important pieces? Education reform has never been more urgent, as schools face deepening challenges around equity, effectiveness, and purpose. The books here reveal how change isn't just about new policies but about confronting complex social, cultural, and systemic issues shaping learning.
Leading voices like Marc Lamont Hill, a Temple University professor, discovered We Want to Do More Than Survive during his work on educational justice, calling it "a treasure" that blends theory and passionate reflection. Meanwhile, Pasi Sahlberg, an education policy professor, endorses Addicted to Reform for its sharp critique of recurring reform failures. And veteran columnist Jay Matthews praises Young, Gifted, and Black for transforming understanding of achievement gaps. Their perspectives ground the collection in real-world experience and deep expertise.
While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking tailored insights based on their background, skill level, and specific education reform interests might consider creating a personalized Education Reform book that builds on these foundations. This way, you can accelerate your learning journey with content tuned to your goals and challenges.
Jay Matthews, a respected education columnist, highlights how this book reshaped his perspective on achievement gaps. He notes, "In a remarkable essay, . . . Steele takes [a] very common coming-of-age experience and turns it into a hopeful solution . . . In just 22 pages, [Steele] proposes several solutions, as do the other contributors." This insight helped him appreciate the psychological and cultural layers influencing student success. Alongside endorsements from The Los Angeles Times praising the creative and sensible solutions, this book offers a fresh lens for anyone serious about improving educational outcomes for African-American students.
“In a remarkable essay, . . . Steele takes [a] very common coming-of-age experience and turns it into a hopeful solution . . . In just 22 pages, [Steele] proposes several solutions, as do the other contributors.” (from Amazon)
by Theresa Perry, Claude Steele, Asa G. Hilliard III··You?
About the Author
Theresa Perry is a professor of education at Wheelock College in Boston and coeditor of The Real Ebonics Debate. She has made significant contributions to the discourse on education and the achievement of African-American students.
The research was clear: traditional approaches to closing the achievement gap weren't capturing the full picture. Theresa Perry, Claude Steele, and Asa G. Hilliard III each bring their expertise to illuminate how systemic issues and psychological factors uniquely affect African-American students. You’ll gain insights into concepts like stereotype threat from Steele’s psychological research, Perry’s historical and cultural perspectives on education for liberation, and Hilliard’s examples of successful schools nurturing black academic excellence. This book challenges you to rethink common assumptions about achievement gaps and consider deeper social and motivational dynamics influencing student success. It’s particularly suited for educators, policymakers, and anyone invested in equitable education outcomes.
Best for understanding higher education inequality
Nicole Carr, a ProPublica reporter and journalism professor at Morehouse, highlights how "The State Must Provide" sharply challenges popular misconceptions about the origins of HBCUs and the ongoing neglect they face. Her pointed reaction—"This just struck my nerves... perhaps he’d like to crack open a book like ‘The State Must Provide’"—reflects the book’s ability to provoke critical reassessment of higher education’s racial inequities. This candid perspective underscores why you should consider Harris’s work if you want to deeply understand the systemic failures and potential solutions in American colleges. Additionally, Sara Goldrickrab, a professor of higher education policy, endorses the book among significant new voices in education reform, reinforcing its relevance to advocates and scholars alike.
ProPublica reporter, Morehouse journalism professor
“@Michelle_RJones This just struck my nerves. Have no idea where he got that info, and how convenient to forget the the basis of the HBCU inception. It’s not ancient history, and perhaps he’d like to crack open a book like “The State Must Provide,” by @AdamHSays . I’m logging off…😩” (from X)
Adam Harris is a staff writer at The Atlantic, where he has covered education and national politics since 2018. He was previously a reporter at the Chronicle of Higher Education, where he covered federal education policy and historically Black colleges and universities. He is a 2021 New America Fellow and the recipient of the Rising Star Award by the News Media Alliance.
The breakthrough moment came when Adam Harris, drawing from his deep experience covering education at The Atlantic and the Chronicle of Higher Education, revealed how America’s higher education system was structurally designed to exclude Black students. You gain a detailed understanding of the historical and legal frameworks—like Plessy v. Ferguson and Brown v. Board of Education—that shaped these inequities, as well as the critical role of HBCUs amid persistent underfunding. Harris doesn’t just recount history; he challenges the status quo with a daring proposal to address funding disparities. If you’re invested in the roots and remedies of racial inequality in education, this book offers a clear-eyed narrative grounded in decades of systemic analysis.
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This personalized book explores the complex landscape of education reform with a focus tailored to your background and goals. It examines key themes such as policy evolution, equity challenges, and innovative practices with clarity and depth, matching your specific interests. By weaving together diverse perspectives and exploring critical issues, this tailored guide offers a clear pathway through the multifaceted debates shaping education today. It empowers you to grasp both foundational concepts and nuanced reform approaches, enabling a deeper understanding that aligns with your personal learning journey and aspirations.
Marc Lamont Hill, a professor at Temple University and respected media host, discovered this book during his extensive work on education and social justice. He calls it "a treasure! With rigorous intersectional theory, careful cultural criticism, and brave personal reflection," highlighting how Bettina Love combines scholarly depth with revolutionary passion. Hill's praise situates Love alongside renowned thinkers like Freire and hooks, emphasizing her influence on contemporary education discourse. His experience underscores why this book is essential for anyone seeking to rethink educational freedom beyond mere reform. Additionally, Josh Starr, CEO of PDK, recommends it for its powerful insights on social-emotional learning, further validating its impact on education professionals.
“This book is a treasure! With rigorous intersectional theory, careful cultural criticism, and brave personal reflection, We Want To Do More Than Survive dares us to dream and struggle toward richer and thicker forms of educational freedom. With the mind of a scholar and the heart of a revolutionary, Bettina Love has penned a book that places her in the tradition of Freire, Giroux, hooks, and Ladson-Billings. This beautiful text also affirms her position as one of the leading education scholars of her generation.” (from Amazon)
Bettina L. Love is an award-winning author and an associate professor of educational theory and practice at the University of Georgia. Her research focuses on how teachers and schools working with parents and communities can build communal, civically engaged, antiracist, antihomophobic, and antisexist educational, equitable classrooms. A sought-after public speaker on a range of topics, including hip-hop education, Black girlhood, queer youth, hip-hop feminism, art-based education to foster youth civic engagement, and issues of diversity, Love has also provided commentary for news outlets including NPR, the Guardian, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Bettina Love, an associate professor known for her research on antiracist and equitable education, developed her approach while working closely with urban schools and communities. In this book, you gain insight into how traditional educational reform often perpetuates survival tactics rather than true freedom, and you learn how abolitionist teaching reframes education as a tool for radical civic engagement and justice. Love draws on historical figures and her own experiences to challenge the status quo, arguing that educators must address systemic oppression directly instead of offering superficial fixes. This perspective is particularly valuable if you’re involved in education reform or community activism and want to rethink what educational freedom really means.
Winner of 2020 Society of Professors of Education Outstanding Book Award
Jay Matthews, a respected education columnist and expert commentator, highlights Diane Ravitch as "our best living historian of education" and regards her as "the best ever." Matthews' deep engagement with education reform makes his endorsement especially meaningful, as he recognizes how this book challenges prevailing assumptions and offers a grounded historical perspective. His praise signals the book's value for anyone seeking to understand or influence American public schooling. Complementing this, The Los Angeles Times suggests the book "may yet inspire a lot of high-level rethinking," underscoring its potential impact on policy discussions and education debates.
Diane Ravitch is Research Professor of Education at New York University and a historian of education. She is the former Assistant Secretary of Education and a former member of the National Assessment Governing Board, which oversees the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the federal testing program. The author of ten books, including Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America's Public Schools. Ravitch lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Drawing from her extensive career as a former Assistant Secretary of Education and historian, Diane Ravitch challenges popular education reform models like standardized testing, charter schools, and privatization. You gain insight into why treating schools like businesses falls short, backed by case studies from cities such as New York and Chicago. The book carefully dissects policies like the Common Core and vouchers, revealing their unintended consequences on public education. If you're invested in shaping or understanding American schooling beyond surface debates, this book offers a grounded, critical perspective that questions prevailing reform narratives without dismissing the urgency for improvement.
Pasi Sahlberg, a professor of education policy at the University of New South Wales, brings a wealth of expertise to his endorsement of this book. He discovered it amid ongoing debates about why education reform keeps falling short in the United States. "If you think you've read all you need about education reform, think again. Addicted to Reform is brilliantly written and contains an insightful analysis of the chronic failure of education reforms in the United States," he says. This endorsement highlights how John Merrow’s decades of reporting uncover the stubborn issues behind reform fatigue, offering you a fresh perspective on fixing public education. Alongside Diane Ravitch, who calls it a wise set of lessons for parents, educators, and policymakers, these voices underline the book’s value if you want to grasp the real challenges and possibilities in K-12 education today.
“If you think you've read all you need about education reform, think again. Addicted to Reform is brilliantly written and contains an insightful analysis of the chronic failure of education reforms in the United States. With a book that is enjoyable, inspirational, and important, John Merrow reclaims his place as a leading proponent of change in American public education.” (from Amazon)
John Merrow recently retired as education correspondent for the PBS NewsHour. He founded and until 2015 was the president of Learning Matters, a nonprofit media company. In 2012 Merrow became the first journalist to win the prestigious McGraw Prize in Education. He lives with his wife in New York City and his books include Addicted to Reform (The New Press), Choosing Excellence, Declining by Degrees, and The Influence of Teachers.
What if everything you knew about fixing American public schools was missing a crucial piece? John Merrow, a seasoned PBS correspondent with decades covering education, argues that the real problem isn't reform itself but a system addicted to constant change without addressing core issues. You’ll learn why schools struggle to prepare students for today’s world, exploring chapters like "Measure What Matters" and "Embrace Teachers" that challenge testing obsessions and advocate for stronger teaching support. This book suits anyone concerned with K-12 education who wants a frank, informed critique rather than quick fixes.
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TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
This tailored book explores a focused 30-day plan to implement meaningful education reform in your unique context. It covers key concepts and practical considerations, guiding you through a sequence of steps designed to match your background and specific goals. By synthesizing expert knowledge with your individual interests, the book reveals how targeted actions can drive impactful change over a short timeframe. Each chapter is crafted to help you understand the complexities of reform while offering clear paths for your own application.
The personalized approach ensures the content aligns closely with your educational environment, challenges, and objectives. This focused guide examines both systemic issues and actionable initiatives, making your reform efforts more effective and relevant.
Andrew R. Campanella, president of National SchoolChoice Week and a leading voice in education reform, found himself deeply engaged by Robert Pondiscio's inside look at Success Academy. After reading the book, he described it as a "page-turning read about what happens INSIDE a school," highlighting its detailed portrayal of educational practice and policy clash. Campanella’s endorsement underscores the book’s relevance for anyone serious about understanding school choice’s real-world effects. Adding weight, Michael Petrilli, president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, praised the book's "careful, loving description of the daily life of an urban charter school," affirming its nuanced insight into educational environments that challenge the status quo.
“I finished reading @rpondiscio’s fantastic book, How the Other Half Learns, this weekend. I encourage you to buy it and read it. It’s a page-turning read about what happens INSIDE a school. And whether you like the instructional approach that (1/2)” (from X)
Robert Pondiscio is senior fellow at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute and a former inner-city public school teacher. He writes and speaks extensively on education and education reform issues and has more than twenty years of journalism experience, including senior positions at Time and BusinessWeek.
2019·384 pages·Education Reform, School Choice, Charter Schools, Equity, Excellence
What happens when a seasoned education journalist with two decades in the field turns his focus to one of America's most debated charter school networks? Robert Pondiscio offers a detailed exploration of Success Academy’s unconventional approach, revealing how it challenges the long-standing tension between equity and excellence in education. You’ll encounter vivid descriptions of classroom dynamics and learn how ambitious, low-income families navigate school choice to secure top-tier education. The book doesn’t shy away from tough questions about the scalability of such models or the broader implications for public education policy. This is a compelling read if you’re looking to understand the complexities behind school choice and educational outcomes beyond typical policy debates.
Asra Q. Nomani, an education advocate and investigative journalist, highlights this book as crucial for those seeking transparency in American schools. She draws attention to Luke Rosiak's deep-dive investigation into how ideological agendas harm academic standards, sharing her experience interviewing him about these urgent issues. "Join investigative reporter @lukerosiak and me, as I interview him @DefendingEd about his important new book: ‘Race to the Bottom,’" she says, underscoring the book's relevance for parents and policymakers alike.
“Join investigative reporter @lukerosiak and me, as I interview him @DefendingEd about his important new book: “Race to the Bottom,” published @HarperCollins TODAY. He is the reporter ideologues love to hate. He has told your story, parents! Buy it here:” (from X)
Luke Rosiak is an investigative journalist known for his work on education issues in the U.S. He has a reputation for uncovering corruption and fraud within the educational system, providing a critical perspective on the challenges facing American public education. His deep dives into school files and financial records reveal the influence of special interest groups and the impact of radical ideologies on academic standards. Rosiak's commitment to thorough research and factual reporting has made him a prominent voice in discussions about education reform.
2022·336 pages·Education Reform, Academic Standards, Public Education, Investigative Journalism, School Policy
What if everything you thought about American public education’s decline was influenced by forces you hadn’t considered? Luke Rosiak, an investigative journalist known for exposing corruption, argues that ideological agendas and special interest groups have driven educational policy away from academic rigor. You’ll learn how nonprofits and consultants champion causes that may inadvertently harm minority students by dismissing test data and lowering standards, as detailed through Rosiak's analysis of school files and financial records. This book benefits anyone concerned with the integrity of K-12 education and the real-world effects of policy decisions on student achievement.
Andy Hargreaves, a professor at Boston College and University of Ottawa, brings weight to his recommendation of this book, emphasizing its relevance for those shaping the future of education. He found the book particularly impactful during a time of rapid technological and policy shifts, noting it "tackles the questions and ideas that matter to young scholars, educational entrepreneurs, and future policymakers on a global scale." His endorsement highlights how the book challenged his own assumptions about technology and teacher education. Alongside him, education expert David Berliner praises its international perspective, making it a valuable resource for educators worldwide.
Professor at Boston College and University of Ottawa
“This is an impressive, engaging book about hard questions and ideas with impact. It tackles the questions and ideas that matter to young scholars, educational entrepreneurs, and future policymakers on a global scale. If you care about the impacts of technology, testing, and teacher education designs, then this book will stretch your thinking and challenge your assumptions.” (from Amazon)
by Pasi Sahlberg, Jonathan Hasak, Vanessa Rodriguez··You?
About the Author
Pasi Sahlberg is a professor of practice at the University of Helsinki and Arizona State University and author of Grawemeyer Award–winning Finnish Lessons (now in its Second Edition). He received the 2021 Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) Hedley Beare Award for Educational Writing and the 2021 ACEL Dr. Paul Brock Memorial Medal. Jonathan Hasak is a manager of public policy and government affairs at Year Up. Vanessa Rodriguez is an assistant professor in the Center for Early Childhood Health and Development in the Department of Population Health at the NYU School of Medicine.
Pasi Sahlberg’s extensive experience in global education reform shines through in this book, co-authored with Jonathan Hasak and Vanessa Rodriguez. They tackle some of the most debated questions in education today — from the role of standardized testing to the future of teacher unions — offering evidence drawn from international research and real-world examples. You’ll gain insight into the complexities behind policies shaping schools worldwide and the challenges of preparing students for rapidly changing societies. This book suits educators, policymakers, and anyone grappling with the big dilemmas in education systems, presenting nuanced perspectives rather than quick fixes.
Jay McTighe is a prolific author known for the widely influential Understanding by Design series, with his work translated into 14 languages and presented globally. His deep background in professional development and education reform uniquely qualifies him to offer this updated blueprint for modern learning. This book reflects McTighe's commitment to helping educators develop clear visions and actionable plans, drawing on decades of experience presenting in 47 US states and 33 countries worldwide.
Jay McTighe is an accomplished author, having coauthored 13 books, including the award-winning and best-selling Understanding by Design series with Grant Wiggins. His books have been translated into 14 languages. Jay has also written more than 35 articles and book chapters and has been published in leading journals, including Educational Leadership and Education Week. Jay has an extensive background in professional development and is a regular speaker at national, state, and district conferences and workshops. He has presented in 47 states within the United States, in seven Canadian provinces, and internationally in 33 countries on six continents. To learn more about Jay's work, visit jaymctighe.com or follow @jaymctighe on Twitter.
2019·248 pages·Education Reform, Education, Curriculum Development, School Leadership, Instructional Design
Drawing from Jay McTighe's extensive experience coauthoring the Understanding by Design series, this book rethinks how schools can meet the demands of modern learners. You’ll explore a blueprint that links vision, mission, curriculum, assessment, and instruction through systems thinking and backward design. For instance, the chapter on change management offers concrete strategies to help school leaders navigate reform challenges effectively. If you're involved in education leadership aiming to update learning environments for the 21st century, this book lays out a clear framework to guide your efforts with practical tools and real-world examples.
Michael Petrilli, president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, brings a thoughtful lens to Eric Kalenze's work, valuing its clear-eyed push for a return to education's fundamental mission. Petrilli discovered this book amid ongoing debates about reform and appreciated its argument that schools must prepare young people for real societal success rather than idealized futures. He calls it "a valuable contribution to the education reform conversation," highlighting how it challenges prevailing reform narratives. This endorsement underscores why you should consider Kalenze’s perspective if you want to cut through the noise and rethink what education truly aims to achieve. Alongside Petrilli, Frederick Hess notes the book’s provocative critique and its call for involving students in accountability, further enriching the discussion for anyone serious about education reform.
“Eric Kalenze's book is a valuable contribution to the education reform conversation. He argues persuasively that America's public schools need to get back to their fundamental mission of preparing young people for success in society as it is--not for some utopian future in which self-actualization is all that matters. Here's hoping this dose of reality permeates the 'thoughtworld' of our education system.” (from Amazon)
Eric Kalenze has fifteen-plus years of experience in education, including teaching, coaching/advising, administration, and developing content and curriculum in the private sector. He lives in Minnesota’s Twin Cities metro with his wife, two daughters, and one Puggle.
When Eric Kalenze first examined American education, he saw a system tangled in outdated philosophies that no longer serve its mission effectively. This book challenges you to rethink the core purpose of schooling by dissecting how traditional approaches have led to misguided reforms and flawed instructional practices. You’ll gain insights into the historical roots of these issues and why current reform efforts often miss the mark by focusing on symptoms rather than causes. Chapters explore the disconnect between education's mission and societal needs, urging a reframing that could guide better decisions for schools, policymakers, and educators alike. If you're looking to understand education reform beyond surface fixes, this book offers a grounded perspective that may reshape your views.
Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and a partner at Greylock, endorses this book for its profound insights into immigrant education, an area critical to America's future. He highlights the book’s powerful storytelling and policy relevance, calling it a remarkable book that charts a course for educators and policymakers—and for everyone who cares about America’s future. Hoffman's engagement reflects how this book reshaped his understanding of education reform challenges and possibilities, making it a compelling read for those seeking to influence education policy and immigrant integration.
Jessica Lander is an award-winning teacher and author. Her latest book, Making Americans, received the 2024 George Orwell Book Award for Honesty and Clarity in Public Language. Conferred by the National Council of the Teachers of English, the Orwell Book Award recognizes writers whose work has made outstanding contributions to the critical analysis of public discourse. Among other honors, Jessica was named the 2023 Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year and one of the 2023 Top 10 National History Teachers of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. She has spent much of the last decade in the classroom, teaching high school history and civics to recent immigrant students. Currently, Jessica is a History Co:Lab Senior Policy Fellow and a Re-Imagining Migration Senior Education Policy Fellow.
Jessica Lander draws on her decade of experience teaching immigrant students to unravel the complexities of immigrant education in America. You’ll explore vivid historical episodes like the Nebraska teacher’s Supreme Court battle and contemporary efforts such as collaborative schools in Colorado supporting newcomer children. The book offers a nuanced look at policies and classrooms reshaping immigrant integration, grounded in real stories including her own students’ journeys. If you’re invested in education policy or immigrant advocacy, this book delivers a thoughtful examination of challenges and innovations shaping the future of American education.
David Imig, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Foundation and Chair of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate Board, brings authoritative insight into this book’s value. He encountered it while deeply involved in transforming education doctorate programs and preparing future school leaders. As he notes, "Crow, Hinnant-Crawford and Spaulding's book on the intersection of school leadership and improvement science is an essential resource for those transforming the education doctorate as well as for those preparing to lead schools." This endorsement reflects how the book bridges theory and practice, making it a vital tool for both newcomers and seasoned educational leaders striving for meaningful improvement.
Senior Fellow, Carnegie Foundation; University of Maryland Professor
“Crow, Hinnant-Crawford and Spaulding's book on the intersection of school leadership and improvement science is an essential resource for those transforming the education doctorate as well as for those preparing to lead schools. The book features a dozen chapters by practitioners of improvement science as well as chapters showcasing the promise of this important pedagogy. Both novices and experienced practitioners will find much to enhance their use of improvement science.” (from Amazon)
by Robert Crow, Brandi Nicole Hinnant-Crawford, Dean T. Spaulding··You?
About the Author
Robert Crow, PhD, is an associate professor of educational research at Western Carolina University. His expertise in assessment and evaluation has led to collaborations with other 4-year institutions, community colleges, PK-12 schools, and institutional accreditation agencies such as SACS-COC. Dr. Crow's research interests include assessment and evaluation of student learning and of learning environments. Dr. Brandi Nicole Hinnant-Crawford is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at Clemson University. She holds bachelors degrees in English and Communication from North Carolina State University, a masters in Urban Education Policy from Brown University, and a PhD in Educational Studies from Emory University. Brandi has studied and worked in K-12 and higher education policy for the last 10 years, doing research, evaluation, and policy analysis with entities as varied as the University System of Georgia and Syracuse City School District. Her research agenda employs justice framework where she intentionally seeks to expose policies and practices related to exploitation, domination, and marginalization; her broad interest include multicultural education, teacher activism, African American activism, improvement science, and education policy. Dean T. Spaulding is the Vice President and Director of Grant Writing and Program Evaluation with Z Score Inc. He is also former chair of the Teaching Evaluation SIG for the American Evaluation Association. Dr. Spaulding has conducted research for New York State Department of Education, New York State Department of Public Health, and the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH). He has had experience serving as external evaluator on technology-related projects such as state and federal technology catalyst grants PT3: Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers to Use Technology and several Title III Technology Literacy Challenge Grants. He currently serves as external evaluator on a National Science Foundation and a Howard Hughes Foundation grant. Dr. Spaulding is one of the authors of Methods in Educational Research: From Theory to Practice (2010, 2nd edition), Jossey-Bass Wiley, and the author of Program Evaluation in Practice: Core Concepts and Examples for Discussion and Analysis (2014, 2nd edition) Jossey-Bass Wiley. He is also the co-author of Action Research for School Leaders (2012) Pearson, Instructional Coaches and the Instructional Leadership Team (2012) Corwin, and What Does Your School Data Team Sound Like? Strategies to Improve the Conversation Around Data (August, 2018) Corwin.
After analyzing detailed case studies and applied research, Robert Crow, Brandi Nicole Hinnant-Crawford, and Dean T. Spaulding developed this guide to demonstrate how improvement science can reshape educational leadership. You learn how to apply organizational problem-solving methods through data-driven inquiry and specific models that enhance school improvement efforts. The book offers practical examples where research methodology intersects with real educational dilemmas, making it particularly useful if you're involved in school leadership, policy evaluation, or teacher development. With chapters that explore both foundational concepts and advanced applications, it suits educators and administrators aiming to embed rigorous improvement frameworks in their work. However, if you’re looking for quick fixes, this book emphasizes thoughtful reflection over instant solutions.
John P. Hopkins, associate dean and director of the Diversity and Equity Center at Saint Martin’s University, brings his extensive background in social justice and education to this examination of Indigenous education reform. His expertise shapes a thoughtful critique of Montana’s Indian Education for All policy, offering practical insights on decolonizing curriculum and pedagogy. Hopkins' academic and administrative experience positions him uniquely to guide educators aiming to bridge cultural divides and improve outcomes for Native students.
John P. Hopkins is associate dean of students, director of the Diversity and Equity Center, and senior instructor of society and social justice at Saint Martin’s University.
Drawing from his role as associate dean and diversity center director, John P. Hopkins presents a detailed examination of Indigenous education reform in public schools, focusing on Montana's Indian Education for All policy. You’ll explore how decolonizing curriculum and pedagogy can confront academic disparities faced by Native students, incorporating tribal critical race theory and culturally sustaining teaching methods. The book offers concrete approaches for educators to privilege Indigenous knowledge and engage meaningfully with tribal communities, making it especially useful if you’re involved in teacher preparation or multicultural education. Hopkins doesn’t just describe reforms; he challenges conventional teaching frameworks and highlights the political and cultural tensions schools must navigate.
Neal Brennan, a Netflix comedian known for his incisive humor and cultural commentary, found this book revealing during his exploration of social fairness. He shared, "This book is super interesting. Basically argues that not everybody has a good brain and that intelligence shouldn't have any bigger effect on life outcome than say, shoe size." This perspective challenged Neal’s assumptions about intelligence and opportunity, highlighting the book’s bold stance on dismantling meritocratic myths in education. His experience underscores why this book demands attention from anyone serious about reforming educational inequality.
“This book is super interesting. Basically argues that not everybody has a good brain and that intelligence shouldn't have any bigger effect on life outcome than say, shoe size.” (from X)
Fredrik deBoer is a writer and academic with a PhD from Purdue University. His writing has appeared in such places as The New York Times, Harper’s, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Politico, Playboy, New Republic, Foreign Policy, n+1, and Jacobin. He is one of the most original and prolific voices in essays today, and his anti-tribal style has earned him admiration from political thinkers of all quadrants. The Cult of Smart is his first book.
The breakthrough moment came when Fredrik deBoer confronted the uncomfortable truth that intelligence differences among individuals shape educational outcomes more than commonly acknowledged. Drawing on his academic background and extensive writing experience, deBoer challenges the notion that our education system can deliver equal opportunity without recognizing inherent cognitive disparities. You’ll gain insight into how this entrenched belief sustains social inequality and why traditional reform efforts miss the mark. Chapters dissect how meritocracy and competition reinforce class divisions, urging a shift toward valuing equality of outcomes rather than just opportunity. This book suits anyone grappling with the limits of education reform and social justice.
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Conclusion
This collection underscores education reform’s multifaceted nature: addressing historical inequities, rethinking schooling’s mission, and navigating policy complexities. If you’re tackling equity and achievement gaps, start with Young, Gifted, and Black and The State Must Provide. For school leaders eager to transform practice, Leading Modern Learning and The Educational Leader's Guide to Improvement Science offer actionable guidance. Policy advocates will find Race to the Bottom and Addicted to Reform thought-provoking and essential.
For rapid implementation, pairing How The Other Half Learns with The Death and Life of the Great American School System helps bridge theory and real-world reform debates. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Education Reform book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation.
These books empower you to critically engage with education reform’s challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re a policymaker, educator, or advocate, they can help accelerate your journey toward meaningful educational change.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Starting with Young, Gifted, and Black offers a powerful lens on achievement gaps and systemic issues. It’s accessible yet deeply insightful, perfect for grounding your understanding before exploring more specialized topics.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to Education Reform?
Not at all. Many, like Education Is Upside-Down, are written to clarify complex ideas in approachable ways. They suit newcomers eager to grasp foundational debates and practical challenges.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with broad overviews such as The Death and Life of the Great American School System, then explore focused topics like school choice in How The Other Half Learns or leadership in Leading Modern Learning.
Should I start with the newest book or a classic?
Both offer value. Newer works like Race to the Bottom provide current context, while foundational books like Diane Ravitch’s offer timeless insights. Balancing both enriches your perspective.
Can I skip around or do I need to read them cover to cover?
Feel free to skip around. Many books address distinct themes that stand alone well, letting you focus on areas most relevant to your interests or challenges.
How can I apply these books’ insights to my unique education reform goals?
While these books offer expert frameworks, personalized content can bridge the gap to your specific context. Consider creating a personalized Education Reform book that tailors insights to your background, skill level, and objectives for more practical application.
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