Product Description
Every Mind Matters calls to action every parent, educator, business, and politician in America to demand that education be a national priority. Get an insider’s view of public education and a generation of America’s children who won’t be able to compete in an Asian Century. It is clear that the “right” and the “left” are both wrong on education. Neither high stakes tests nor universal pre-school will solve the problem. Unless America is content with our national… More >>
Every Mind Matters: Education – A National Priority For An American Renaissance
Tags: American, education, Every, Matters, Mind, National, Priority, Renaissance
#1 by Nancy B. Driscoll on April 25, 2010 - 7:39 pm
… informative read, particularly in its giving parents a blueprint for involvement in their child’s learning. Former Governor Jeb Bush of Florida
…very inspirational although the challenge is great. T Freeman, School Psychologist
…call to policymakers to get education right; the inside view of challenges and solutions. H Johnson, former U.S. Undersecretary of Education
…I couldn’t put it down. Everyone should read this. M Thomas, educational consultant
…Clearer perspective on the challenge than “The World Is Flat”, J Woodward, Professor and Author
…Right on target. If everyone followed this advice we could create a 2nd American Century. L Maldonado, Analyst and Financial Advisor
Rating: 5 / 5
#2 by steelepierce on April 25, 2010 - 9:21 pm
Nancy Driscoll’s book is down-to-earth and straightforward. She writes from years of experience and shares hard data, a call to action, and practical advice. After presenting her case, Driscoll speaks directly to parents, educators, and legislators (”In Your House,” “In the Schoolhouse,” and “In the Statehouse”). These chapters would make great discussion starters for parent groups, for a faculty book study, or for community organizations. Pick up this readable, accessible book and share with those who care deeply about America and its future.
Rating: 4 / 5
#3 by Andrew J. Wallace on April 25, 2010 - 9:43 pm
I write this as a parent whose children have been educated in public, private, and charter schools. I also write as a businessman and concerned citizen, worried that our education system is not competitive in today’s global economy. I wonder what kind of world my boomer generation is leaving to my children and grandchildren.
In today’s red state/blue state, grassroots vs. astroturf, “unruly mob” world, there is a lot of noise, a lot of posturing, a lot of soundbite/bumper sticker opinions, but few clear voices stating the problems we face and offering the solutions we need.
This book is points out many of the glaring issues our education system faces, such as:
* 6000 students drop out of school each day.
* Nationwide, 1 of 4 ninth graders do not graduate in 4 years.
* One-half of all minority students do not graduate at all.
* Two-thirds of all newly created jobs require specialized training and education beyond high school.
* Human resource officials noted that 72% of all recent hires are deficient in reading and math skills.
The author also proposes a number of thoughtful positive solutions that won’t easily be conveyed on a t-shirt, bumper sticker, or MSNBC. She recognises that the solutions require more than money, they require a commitment and a new way of looking at old problems.
I highly recommend this book to every parent, every teacher, every American citizen concerned about educating the next generation, and who is open to new ideas and new solutions. A terrific book.
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by Colleen Bain on April 25, 2010 - 11:33 pm
Every parent or caretaker has been down the road of unsuccessful parent/teacher communication. Teachers have had to deal with one too many parents that drive them to think teaching may not be worth the aggravation. Politicians sit baffled at their desks as they watch CNN report yet another failing economy. What’s wrong?
This book let’s you know what’s wrong and proposes solutions that are easily implemented in little time to save schools and help our economy save money and be productive again!
As a special and general educator and cognitive brain trainer, I love the multitudes of statistics, some even break out per state to show you what you pay in taxes and then Nancy compares your state’s overall educational report card – did you get what you paid for Nancy asks! Great. I love it.
I left a career in the classroom because of the frustration and inability to attend to the root cause and not just be compensatory in nature. I chose to set up private practice to get to the root cause of children’s struggles with academics. I now work with families across the country with innovative approaches that are quick and easy and very successful.
I have not given up hope for our public schools and work my best to get my successes in the classroom. I am joining Nancy’s efforts and consider myself a contributor to shifting the education paradigm in our country.
If you need a concise, all-in-one reference book with great solutions for our nation’s educational crisis, I highly recommend you pick up this book. I keep it on my desk at work to reference the statistics and suggested solutions.
The time is now that “we the people” of this great country stand up and begin to help our educational institutions to positively impact the future of our country and children.
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by Nikoli Babcock Scharin on April 25, 2010 - 11:56 pm
With the failing economy at the forefront of international news coverage, White House press conferences, and discussions around the dinner table, this call to action for improving the education of America’s youth shows us how we cannot only be more competative in the global marketplace, but we can also save billions of dollars in healthcare, welfare, and criminal justice costs. It seems that our society is trapped in the mindset of treating the symptoms of what ails us: take a pill for a runny nose, wrap a bandage around a bum knee…whatever quick-fix gets us to the next thing without taking the time to determine the root cause, or illness, if you will. In Every Mind Matters, Driscoll demonstrates that the root cause of many of our nation’s challenges is a broken and stagnant Education system. There is no quick fix. In fact, as Driscoll so effectively proposes, it will take a multi-prong approach. But if we as a nation employ the same determination and ingenuity in educating our youth as we did in not so long ago when we decided to go to the moon, perhaps we can create another American Renaissance as we continue into the 21st century.
Rating: 5 / 5