Book Review: Smart Kids, Bad Schools

Taking a break from fiction, thought I’d pass along a book review that should be relevant to anyone who works in education or has school-age children.  Really, it applies to everyone since we all pay taxes to support the schools, but those without a direct stake in the education system may only be interested in the cheapest solution instead of the best.

I actually don’t agree with a lot of the ideas put forth in this book, but I applaud the effort to start a conversation of change.  A lot of Crosby’s ideas center around the reality that many people see schools as a de facto source of childcare.  I’m not in favor of increasing the amount of days that kids spend in school (and not just because it would increase the amount of days I would have to work).  I still believe that boredom is a great catalyst for original thought and let’s face it, what is summer vacation without boredom!?  I believe if schools are interested in cutting costs they should seriously consider the 4-day school week or a month-long break over the Christmas/New Year holiday.  Both solutions would reduce heating and transportation costs and only require a minimal amount of time to be added to each day.  Like Crosby, I am in favor of using this extra time in the day as homework time.  He proposes adding the time to each class and dedicating a part of class just to homework.  This may be more successful than a study hall – too often study halls aren’t enforced and too many kids don’t take advantage of the opportunity.  Plus, they may need help in a subject not taught by their study hall teacher.  Anyway, the author does a good job of bringing up topics to provoke thought and conversation – I’d be willing to discuss/debate any of them with you all if you do get a chance to read the book.