The Students Are Watching: Schools and the Moral Contract

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Binding: Paperback Dewey Decimal Number: 370 EAN: 9780807031216 ISBN: 0807031216 Label: Beacon Press Manufacturer: Beacon Press Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 160 Publication Date: 2000-07-15 Publisher: Beacon Press Studio: Beacon Press
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Editorial Reviews: Students learn not just from their classe but from their school's routines and rituals, especially about matters of character, Theodore and Nancy Sizer insist in this groundbreaking book. They convince us once again of what we may have forgotten: We need to create schools that constantly demonstrate a belief in their students. In such schools, children will not only meet important academic goals, but also acquire good intellectual habits and develop their own moral agency. Only then will students go on to make wise and principled decisions--even when their teachers are no longer watching.
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: A definite disappointment Comment: As a high school teacher, I had heard a great deal about this book and had high expectations that it would inform my teaching considerably. I was sorely disappointed. The core message of this book--that the students are watching us and that we must strive to set the best example possible by our deeds and not just our words--is undeniable. The discussion of this message, however, is sloppy, unsophisticated, and uninspired. I certainly expected a much more coherent, scholarly approach from such decorated members of the educational community as the Sizers. Instead, I found that the book consisted almost entirely of belabored hypothetical scenarios that were clumsily woven together. What's more, the insights provided barely went beyond the book's basic premise. It is a quick read, so the investment on your part will not be too great, but neither are the benefits. Here, the Sizers extol educators to put forth their best, most thoughtful performances. It is the right standard-- one that the Sizers failed to live up to with this book. Customer Rating: Summary: Students Are a Reflection of Us Comment: Mr. & Ms. Sizer do an excellent job of addressing what would be a more effective environment for kids to reach their own potentials. The book is not a panacea of all the issues that do arise in public schools, but hopes to convey to the reader the complexities of educating children and young adults. The book is sincere but, in a large measure, wishful thinking. Smaller class sizes, consistent positive adult role models and addressing each student's individual needs, without a doubt, would produce a better human being. People willing to fork over higher taxes in such a pursuit is an entirely different matter. The American frame-of-mind doesn't seem to be very good at long-range planning. Read the Sizers' book for illumination. It won't take you very long to plow through this easy to read text and you'll be a better person for it. Customer Rating: Summary: Not good... Comment: This book was very tough to get through. I had to read it for a Master's level class, but it's not very insightful if you have teaching experience. It might work for a rookie teacher, but it also gives the students too much credit for what they're thinking sometimes. In asking some students if they notice the things the authors claim in the book, they usually returned a blank stare or said it never entered their mind. Don't read this unless you're forced to! Customer Rating: Summary: a bit preachy Comment: It discusses some obvious things about high schools--including some high schools are bad and some are good-- and makes a lot of general statements about how high schools should be run. I would have liked something a little more positive happening, something more inspiring and less like laying down what's good. Indeed the moral importance in high schools that runs through the book is a positive thing, but there was something judgemental or negative about it. I'm not sure why I dont feel compeled by the advice given. More suggestions which are actually ideas, at least to get the creative juices flowing would be a good thing also. Customer Rating: Summary: evaluation of our educational system, including home-schools Comment: Rated as excellent in 6/19/00 U. S. News & World Reports, I am pursuing research on this book while attempting to locate a library or preview copy to read myself! More Reviews