Real Education: Four Simple Truths for Bringing America's Schools Back to Reality

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The controversial author of "The Bell Curve" returns with a groundbreaking manifesto to transform American education. He presents the four simple truths that parents and educators should confront to precipitate change.

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Publishers Weekly (06/23/2008)
Murray, coauthor of "The Bell Curve", believes our educational systems failures stem from the fundamental lie that every child can be anything he or she wants and that such educational romanticism prevents progress. Four simple truths, he asserts, would prove better: children have different abilities, half of the children are below average, too many children go to college, and Americas future depends on the gifted. Murray takes care with his first point, discussing various types of abilities instead of the oft-maligned I.Q. measure; however, he does believe that test scores reflect ability. He argues that there are only a limited number of academically gifted people and these are Americas future leaders, that only this elite can enjoy college productively and that the nongifted shouldnt be channeled by their high school counselors into training for that college chimera, which wouldnt make them happy anyway. Further, he argues, if the Educational Testing Service created certification tests covering what employers want applicants to know, these would become the gold standard for applicants, rather than college degrees. This book is likely to stir controversy even if it appears that Murray is dressing up an old elitist argumenttest scores reflect ability, so high-scorers should be offered a challenging education, while the below-average should be herded into vocational training. "(Aug.)" Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal (09/15/2008)
Murray ("Losing Ground: American Social Policy, 19501980"; coauthor, "The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life") proposes four "simple truths"ability varies, half of all children are below average, too many people are going to college, and America's future depends on how we educate the giftedfor parents, educators, and policymakers to confront. The current focus of the educational system, Murray contends, of educating all children to the same level and holding them to the same standards (i.e., No Child Left Behind) ignores these four truths and attempts to prepare most children to earn a B.A., though many of them are not suited for college and would be happier and more productive in different careers. He suggests that bachelor's degrees should be reserved for students with the ability and interest in careers requiring it and instead there should be a series of national certifications to show what a job candidate can actually do. Murray's argument is controversial but well researched. His book is highly recommended for public and academic libraries.Mark Bay, Cumberland Coll. Lib., Williamsburg, KY Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

ISBN: 0307405389 | EAN: 9780307405388
Publisher: Crown Forum  | Publication Date: August, 2008

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