Saving Students from a Shattered System: Igniting the Passion for Learning - Tapa dura

Employers need energetic thinkers with real life skills and positive attitudes who can contribute, and who don't act as if "work" is a dirty-four-letter-word. For the first time in American history, this generation is less educated than its parents. Education has to change its methods so that learning is enjoyable again, when the potential and interests of each student are addressed. This hands-on, real life, proficiency based curriculum can provide just what employers need-leadership and ownership skills-that will change students' attitudes, and in turn benefit them and businesses plus build a stronger America. -- Judith Barnes, President WorkSmart Staffing Greenville, South Carolina This book is practical and offers easily available lesson and project outlines which can be adapted and differentiated for all ages and abilities. The authors passionately create a shining example that can be beamed out to the world. Here's to a new and joyous education system. -- Penny Moon, CEO A Quiet Place Ltd. Liverpool, United Kingdom This book cuts to the heart of the matter, of what it really means to "leave no child behind." The truth about institutional practices such as testing, grade points, and grade levels is discussed and challenged. Anyone who cares about the future of our children and rebuilding our public school education system should read this book. -- Jacqueline Patterson, Director of District Student Support Wisconsin Department of Public instruction Milwaukee, Wisconsin Truly leaving "no child behind" will require finally addressing the individual needs, interests, and aptitudes of each young person in our public schools. Eldon Lee and Mary Gale Budzisz provide a compelling framework to transform schools from the current "fit-the-mold-or-else" model into centers of learning for all children. The time is now! -- Juanita Doyon, education activist, Spanaway, Washington

Based on real experiences of those in the trenches, this book describes a new delivery system of education designed to allow all students to succeed with the help of teachers who are led by their passion to do what is right for students. Lee and Budsisz take the reader step-by-step through not only what is wrong with the system of education and what must be changed for education but what the school of the future must look like. Education's goal should be to make sure that students do more than maintain an existence in their adult lives_they must flourish, living life to the fullest. This detailed plan leaves no stone unturned in providing the tools to build a quality education program for all.