Hot-Button Issues in Today's Schools: What Every Parent Needs to Know

by Sheldon Marcus, Philip D. Vairo

Overview

American schools are continuously called upon to serve many constituents by providing a variety of educational and social services to learners of all ages. However, schools are often hindered by parents who do not understand or are unaware of educational issues and how they impact their children. Now more than ever before, parents need to be informed so that they may become active, knowledgeable partners in the educational process. In Hot-Button Issues In Today's Schools, Sheldon Marcus and Phillip D. Vairo examine contemporary educational issues of paramount concern to parents, including: _

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781578864256
Publisher:	R&L Education
Publication date:	04/05/2006
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 8.98(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

Sheldon Marcus is professor of educational leadership and policy at Fordham University's Graduate School of Education. Philip D. Vairo is former president of Worcester State College in Massachusetts and dean emeritus at California State University in Los Angeles.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Preface: Who Wrote This Book and Why? Part 2 Introduction Part 3 Part I: The Teacher and the Principal Chapter 4 Are You Happy with Your Child's Classroom Teacher? Chapter 5 Is Your Child's Principal a Real Leader? Chapter 6 Male Teachers in the Primary Grades: Where are They? Chapter 7 Should Parents Play a Role in the Selection, Promotion, Compensation, and Dismissal of Teacher's and Principals? Part 8 Part II: Classroom Management and Organization Chapter 9 Homogeneous versus Heterogeneous Grouping: What Are Your Views? Chapter 10 Promotional Policies: Where Do You Stand? Chapter 11 Classroom Discipline: What Kind Do You Want for Your Child? Chapter 12 How Can Homework Be Utilized as an Effective Learning Tool? Chapter 13 Children with Special Needs: Where Do They Fit? Part 14 Part III: Curriculum and Textbook Issues Chapter 15 The Three Rs and Rote Learning: Are They Outdated? Chapter 16 Bilingual Education: What Does It Really Accomplish? Chapter 17 Is There a Place for Diversity in the Curriculum? Chapter 18 Textbooks Used in Our Schools: Have You Reviewed Them? Part 19 Part IV: Evaluation Chapter 20 Report Cards and Standardized Tests: What Do They Tell You? Chapter 21 Can You Help Your Child Who Is a "C" Student Become an "A" or "B" Student? Chapter 22 Parent-Teacher Conferences: What Is Your Plan? Part 23 Part V: Evolving Issues Chapter 24 Nutrition and the School Cafeteria: How is Your School Doing? Chapter 25 Sex, Drugs, Smoking, and Other Health Concerns: Do They Belong in the School Curriculum? Chapter 26 What Can Be Done to Improve School Safety and Avoid Violence in Our Schools? Chapter 27 College Admission: Is It Ever Too Early to Plan for Your Child's Future? Part 28 Part VI: Alternative Strategies Chapter 29 School Vouchers: Problems or Opportunities? Chapter 30 Homeschool Instruction: A New Era or an Educational Error? Chapter 31 Summer School, After-School Activities, and the Extended School Year: Are New Directions Needed? Chapter 32 Public, Private, or Religious Schools: Which One for Your Child? Part 33 Concluding Remarks Part 34 Supplementary Reading

Editorial Reviews

Every parent must read this very thoughtful and informative book about our schools. It is a comprehensive, refreshing volume which delves into those contemporary and pertinent issues which confront students, parents, and teachers.

Lynn Frcek

Marcus and Vairo have written a book which every teacher, school administrator, parent, and taxpayer should read…If all the people involved with the education of our children would read this book, schools would be much improved.

Max Weiner

This book is an informative read designed to help parents negotiate the often confusing world of K-12 education. Marcus and Vairo skillfully address a myriad of issues ranging from broad based educational philosophies to day-to-day classroom interactions.

Stacey Gross

After many successful years in education, Marcus and Vairo have written a timely and much needed book designed for both parents and educators. The authors tackle the crucial issues facing today's schools in a fresh and absorbing approach.

Donald Bullens

The book is written by two 'insiders' with 90 years of combined experience as teachers, administrators, professors, and deans of education….An important read and worthwhile investment of time for parents who are betting their children's future on the quality of education the schools provide

Allan Ornstein

Few [books] shed light on the concerns and anxieties parents have about schools and their children's educational experiences in the day-to-day workings of schools. This is one book that does. The Hot-Button Issues in Today's Schools provides a road map for success so that parents can be fully prepared to maximize their children's educational experiences. ... A must-read for every parent and educator.

Sir Read Alot Book Review