The making of Americans : democracy and our schools / E.D. Hirsch, Jr.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Hirsch, E. D., Jr. (Eric Donald), 1928-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Public schools--United States.

Public schools.

Education--Aims and objectives--United States.

Education.

Democracy and education--United States.

Democracy and education.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (273 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

New Haven : Yale University Press, 2009.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

From the bestselling author of Cultural Literacy , a passionate and cogent argument for reforming the way we teach our children. Why, after decades of commissions, reforms, and efforts at innovation, do our schools continue to disappoint us? In this comprehensive book, educational theorist E. D. Hirsch, Jr. masterfully analyzes how American ideas about education have veered off course, what we must do to right them, and most importantly why . He argues that the core problem with American education is that educational theorists, especially in the early grades, have for the past sixty years rejected academic content in favor of “child-centered” and “how-to” learning theories that are at odds with how children really learn. The result is failing schools and widening inequality, as only children from content-rich (usually better-off) homes can take advantage of the schools’ educational methods. Hirsch unabashedly confronts the education establishment, arguing that a content-based curriculum is essential to addressing social and economic inequality. A nationwide, specific, grade-by-grade curriculum established in the early school grades can help fulfill one of America’s oldest and most compelling dreams: to give all children, regardless of language, religion, or origins, the opportunity to participate as equals and become competent citizens. Hirsch not only reminds us of these inspiring ideals, he offers an ambitious and specific plan for achieving them. “Hirsch’s case is clear and compelling. His book ought to be read by anyone interested in the education and training of the next generation of Americans.”—Glenn C. Altschuler, The Boston Globe “Hirsch once again challenges the prevailing “child-centered” philosophy, championing a return to a “subject-centered” approach to learning.”— Publishers Weekly

Contents:

Intro

Contents

Preface

1. The Inspiring Idea of the Common School

2. Sixty Years without a Curriculum

3. Transethnic America and the Civic Core

4. Linguistic America and the Public Sphere

5. Competence and Equality: Narrowing the Two Achievement Gaps

6. Competence and Community: Renewing Public Education

Appendix 1 Core Knowledge History/Geography Thread, K-2

Appendix 2 Content Is Skill, Skill Content

Notes

Acknowledgments

Index

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Description based on print version record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9786612353062

9781282353060

1282353063

9780300155853

0300155859

OCLC:

593239919