When Will We Learn? The Saga of Education Reform

Standardized testing ... teachers' unions ... unrealistic expectations ... political school boards ... uninvolved parents. The American education system has been through it all. As a public school teacher for more than a decade, Lola Gordon witnessed the effects of negative learning environments fueled by poor administrations and leadership, unmotivated and selfish teachers, unfair working conditions, uncooperative staff members, and pressure from administration to force students with special needs into inappropriate learning situations. When she decided to quit the profession, Lola Gordon knew she "never again wanted to step foot in a public school, not as a teacher, not as a parent." But she did not want to give up on the concept of public education altogether. Instead, Lola Gordon turned her attention to better understanding the reasons behind the failures of America's current education system. This deeply researched book explains how and why public education is in such a sad state. She looks at why all the "reforms" - including the new Common Core State Standards and attempts at privatization - have failed. More importantly, Lola Gordon outlines how all Americans can (and should) fight for public education to be done correctly so that students can finally be given what they are entitled to - a valuable education.