Reader Views

The Nightmare That Is Public Education: An Expose of What Really Happens in Public Schools

Anyone who is the least bit involved with their children’s schooling will have some idea, and opinion, of how well the U.S. public education system is working. An educator with many years of experience in both the classroom and as an administrator, Dr. Renato Nicolai discusses why he feels public schools are failing to adequately educate American students, and what educators and parents must do to ensure that public education remains effective and relevant.

Dr. Nicolai does applaud the few dedicated teachers, politicians, and parents who are truly committed to, and are actively providing, an excellent education for students in the public system, but there is sure to be a lot of heated discussion because of his reasons as to why the majority are failing. One emphasized reason is the incompetence of teachers. Dr. Nicolai refers back to teacher education curricula and speaks to the absence, or low quality, of the basics in classrooms and schools today. From poor physical environments and classroom management, to inadequate discipline, relaxed attitudes towards dress requirements, and low expectations, he feels that it is America’s swing alarmingly toward a liberal, permissive, almost-anything-goes bias (p.143), that is undermining the effectiveness of committed teachers, preventing students from learning, and is negatively affecting the entire country by encouraging disrespect and incompetence.

Dr. Nicolai uses a lot of alarming vocabulary to express his forceful opinions on the declining state of the American public education system, but also supplies quotes and a research bibliography to add support to his views. Agree with him or not, Dr. Renato Nicolai’s “The Nightmare That Is Public Education” will most certainly get its readers thinking, talking, and most importantly from his standpoint, taking action.

The Nightmare That Is Public Education: An Expose of What Really Happens in Public Schools
Renato C. Nicolai, Ed.D.
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595436149
Reviewed by Deb Shunamon for Reader Views (1/08)

The Ivey Guide to Law School Admissions: Straight Advice on Essays, Resumes, Interviews, and More

Reviewed by Rhiannon Kelly Fionn for Reader Views (6/07)

If only Anna Ivey would clone herself; she is needed in high school and college guidance offices in every school in the Union! Anna Ivey is the person you want to have a leisurely lunch with while in the middle of the endurance test of admissions. Once Dean of Admissions at The University of Chicago Law School, she has seen the best and the worst of want-to-be attorneys.

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Logical Universe

Michael Jones
Inertial Press (2006)
ISBN 097662477X
Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (11/06)

Author Michael Jones opens minds with his interesting book “Logical Universe.” It reaches deep within taken-for-granted lessons, for a new outlook on the universe and all things relative to it. In this book we learn early on that the author believes that one single force is responsible for everything within our world. Within this book, the author not only explains his belief system but invites the reader to question their world as well. This book is written in easy to understand language that can be applied to young students and older scholars alike. Its simple premise of explaining our universe and how it works makes for contemplative, as well informational reading.

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QGE=A, Quality Generic Education is the Answer

Win Straube
Straube Foundation (2007)
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (11/06)

Win Straube addresses the issue of delivering a quality generic education. Quality education is one of the most important issues facing United States and the whole world. Learning should not stop when we reach a certain degree, age or point in our lives. Learning should be a lifetime goal. “Life can be, and ought to be, an ongoing learning process with more and amore enriched knowledge as we progress.” Unfortunately, some people believe there is no need to continue learning.

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The Quotable Teacher

Randy Howe (Editor )
The Lyons Press (2006)
ISBN 1234567890
Reviewed by Marcy Burns for Reader Views (9/06)

This small book with a simple title, “The Quotable Teacher,” may be too easily overlooked on bookstore shelves. What a mistake that will be! It merits a wide readership. Not only will it inspire teachers and buoy their resolve, it will significantly enlighten those who do not teach … at least not in a classroom. Of course, all of us do teach children and adults with both negative and positive outcomes, whether or not we are aware that we are doing so, and much of the quoted wisdom is applicable far beyond the formal classroom.

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Students of Modern Times

Kathy Mankowski
Brown Books Publishing (2006)
ISBN 1933285524
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (8/06)

“Students of Modern Times: Society’s Effect on Our Moral Decay” is an excellent book about how society is contributing to the decline in the quality of our educational system. It is also a very tough book to read because the truth hurts. We are surrounded by signs that our educational system is failing our students. As a two-year college instructor for students with disabilities, I see this first hand. High school graduates are coming to college to learn how to read and how to do basic math skills. What happened to them along the way during their K-12 education?

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Homework Talk!

Reviewed by Danielle Feliciano for Reader Views (7/06)

In their book “Homework Talk!” authors Cheli Cerra and Ruth Jacoby have given parents a priceless guide to help them conquer any issues that make homework difficult for their children. Cerra and Jacoby have identified more than 50 of the most typical problems surrounding the issue of homework and have given tips and advice for the parents to use to tackle these issues. The issues addressed in this book range from the basics of parental and student responsibility to homework, to the more complex issues of communicating with teachers and dealing with frustration and organizational issues.

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Changing Expectations so That No Child Will be Left Behind

Phillip G. Eaglin, Ph.D.
Changing Expectations (2005)
ISBN 0977365603
Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (5/06)

Dr. Eaglin approaches the idea of teaching so that 'no child is left behind' in a way that I've never heard, or even thought of. He brings ideas and facts to the table to make one, especially one in a teaching profession, take a second look not only at how the system works but how they, as teachers, think and perform. His ideas, while not always main stream, definitely make one take a second look.

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Let’s Get Ready for First Grade

Linda Desimonwich & Stacey Kannenberg
Ceder Valley Publishing (2006)
ISBN 9781933476100
Reviewed by Sondra Fowler for Reader Views (6/06)

This is a handy reference tool for parents with young preschool or early grade children. It covers everything from reading and math to science. It even touches on telling time and simple color theory.

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Enriched Learning: Unleashing Your Brilliance

Brian E. Walsh, PhD
Walsh Seminars (2006)
ISBN 0973841532
Reviewed by Erika K. Oliver for Reader Views (6/06)

The red tie and audience applause gets my attention. Brian Walsh seems like your usual keynote speaker but the tie stands out and the audience seems very pleased to have him in attendance. He’s here to help us “unleash the unlimited potential of your own mind” by sharing learning concepts that will make our own learning and teaching more effective. The video and talk are well organized as Dr. Walsh uses the learning techniques he shares to help his audience process this information. Two flip charts, a concept map, stories, analogies and audience activities keep the information interesting while at a manageable pace.

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