Bail Me Out!: Handling Difficult Data and Tough Questions About Public Schools

"Gerry Bracey cuts a useful trail through the thicket of educational change that is beset by irresponsible research and highly questionable measurement of learning. By offering examples of misused data and tests, he builds a way to better understanding of these realms by the public."
Harold Howe II, Former high school principal
Hanover, NH

"An American treasure! Bracey sometimes seems to be a modern Don Quixote, fighting lonely battles against the enemies of public education. In this book he explains how to examine anti-school propaganda, spot distortions and inaccuracies, and determine what′s really true. It′s necessary knowledge for anyone who believes in public education."
Ron Brandt, Former Executive Editor, ASCD

"A skeptics joy! Bracey offers straightforward examples and hard-hitting prose that teach the intricacies of interpreting educational data."
David C. Berliner, Dean and Regents′ Professor
College of Education, Arizona State University, Tempe

Interpreting what research data REALLY tells us.

Learn to effectively navigate the maze of competing agendas for public education from Gerald W. Bracey, nationally known policy analyst, researcher, and author of the periodic Bracey Report on the Condition of Education. He demystifies the educational data surrounding America′s public schools, providing the guide to help educators become better, more critical readers of facts, figures, charts, and graphs.

In this handy question-and-answer format, Bracey looks at nine tough questions and backs up answers with thoughtful explanation. A brief historical look at America′s loss of confidence in public schools in presented to show how data have been used to create half-truths and erroneous positions. In addition, the most common test forms are analyzed, illuminating their strengths and weaknesses.

Key issues include:

Interpreting educational research data
Exploring and understanding tests
SAT facts and fictions
Private schools vs. public schools
Teacher and administrator accountability
This guide is a must-have for educators to better understand and respond to tough questions asked by parents, students, and the community about public school education in America today.

 "An American treasure! Necessary knowledge for anyone who believes in public education."

(Ron Brandt)

 "An indispensable resource for those interested in making sense of the conflicting claims of both the political right and left. His chapters on ‘seeing through graphs’ and ‘other indicators of achievements’ as well as his discussion of the Simpson paradox, are essential reading for both consumers and producers of educational research. Recommended for graduate students, researchers, professionals, and general readers."

(F. Galloway Choice Magazine)

"Bracey provides readable review of how basic statistics are used in measuring student success. {He has} an uncanny ability to discover misinterpretations of public school achievements {and} gives practical advice on how educators can be both responsive and pro-active." 

(Roland M. Smith)

"A skeptics joy! Bracey offers straightforward examples and hard-hitting prose that teach the intricacies of interpreting educational data." 

(David C. Berliner, Dean and Regents' Professor)

"In this methodologically insightful book, Bracey provides a statistical roadmap for interpreting the data pertaining to the achievement of US schools. It should serve as an indispensable resource for those interested in making sense of the conflicting claims of both the political right and left."

(F. Galloway, University of San Diego CHOICE, 2001)