Shaping the Culture of Schooling: The Rise of Outcome-Based Education (Suny Series, Education and Culture : Critical Factors in the Formation of Character and Community in American Life) - Softcover

Desmond, Cheryl Taylor

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0791429563 ISBN 13: 9780791429563

Publisher: State University of New York Press, 1996

Synopsis

Winner of the 1998 American Educational Studies Association Critics' Choice Titles

Focusing on the cultural history of the origins of outcome-based education (OBE), this book investigates the social and economic culture of Johnson City, New York, schools. OBE has often been proclaimed the salvation for ailing American schools and has spread to thousands of school districts throughout the United States. The reform has also been the lightning rod for fierce challenges from community members who oppose OBE's dismantling of the bell-shaped curve and its promotion of secular humanism.

The author uncovers the messy business of school change and its deep roots in the values of the local community and economy. Grounding the story historically and theoretically, Desmond analyzes the reshaping of the Johnson City schools from a production mill for blue collar workers to a development center of technologically minded, middle-class, well-educated citizens. She argues that the heart of successful, synergistic school reform lies in the consensus that children have unlimited learning capacity and a long-term moral leadership that is committed to caring, reciprocal relationships of power.

About this title

About the Authors

Cheryl Taylor Desmond is Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Foundations at Millersville University.

Cheryl Taylor Desmond is Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Foundations at Millersville University.

From the Back Cover

Focusing on the cultural history of the origins of outcome-based education (OBE), this book investigates the social and economic culture of Johnson City, New York, schools. OBE has often been proclaimed the salvation for ailing American schools and has spread to thousands of school districts throughout the United States. The reform has also been the lightning rod for fierce challenges from community members who oppose ODE's dismantling of the bell-shaped curve and its promotion of secular humanism. The author uncovers the messy business of school change and its deep roots in the values of the local community and economy. Grounding the story historically and theoretically, Desmond analyzes the reshaping of the Johnson City schools from a production mill for blue collar workers to a development center of technologically minded, middle-class, well-educated citizens. She argues that the heart of successful, synergistic school reform lies in the consensus that children have unlimited learning capacity and a long-term moral leadership that is committed to caring, reciprocal relationships of power.

Edition details

• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0791429563
• ISBN 13: 9780791429563
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 181