978-1-58838-123-1
1-58838-123-4
$27.95 hardcover
978-1-58838-110-1
1-58838-110-2
$15.95 paperback
7 1/2" x 9"
232 pages black-and-white maps, illustrations, index
NewSouth Books |
This book is a sequel to a
Kettering Foundation study of the relationship between American citizens
and public education. The study found that many people no longer
believe that public schools are their schools. Although
citizens believe that the country needs a system of public education,
they are torn between their sense of civic responsibility and their
instinct to do what is best for children. Reluctantly, many are
deciding that public education doesn't provide the instruction their
youngsters need. People are also concerned about public schools
because they have an important role to play in their community.
Yet civic leaders describe themselves as shut out of a meaningful
relationship.
Educators are equally frustrated. They say they have little to no
voice in externally imposed reforms and expectations. And, if they
reach out to the public, they often meet outraged parents, implacable
special interests, and unsympathetic voters. So the
Kettering Foundation report concluded that restoring this deteriorating
relationship had to begin in and by communities.
This book describes what communities once did to diffuse knowledge by
focusing on the creation of the first public schools. The setting
is on the Southern frontier—Old Southwest—but every region of the
country has similar stories.
about the author
David Matthews attended the public schools of Clark County,
Alabama. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and
Columbia University where he earned a Ph.D in American educational
history. Matthews has been president f the University of Alabama
and secretary of the United States Department of Health, Education and
Welfare. He is currently trustee and president of the Kettering
Foundation. His other recent books are Politics for People:
Finding a Responsible Public Voice and Is There a Public for
Public Schools? |
