The Importance of Average: Playing the Game of School to Increase Success and Achievement

Farenga, Stephen; Ness, Daniel; Johnson, Dale D.

ISBN 10: 0742570126 / ISBN 13: 9780742570122

Published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2010

May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0742570126I4N00

Synopsis:

The Importance of Average calls attention to the policies and practices that discriminate against the silent majority of students in the American educational system. Arguments presented emphasize the collateral damage caused to average students by legislative mandates, administrative policies, teaching practices, parenting beliefs, and adherence to strict psychological constructs. Each of these factors has created a pervasive psycho-educational belief of average ability. The authors challenge what they consider as a pseudo-definition of 'average' that was brought about as an attempt by policymakers to test their way out of addressing the true inequities found in society. Further, the authors identify how educational policymakers have sacrificed the education of an entire class of students by creating the illusion that underachievement can be eliminated simply through lowering standards and examination pass rates. In chronicling the plight of average students, the authors capture the emotions and attitudes of teachers, parents, and students whose frustrations have been set aside in order to meet other special interests. The authors explore methods that provide students of average knowledge in any given area with the appropriate tools necessary for succeeding in school. Finally, the authors argue that there is no such thing as 'average' intelligence.

About the Author: Bonnie Johnson teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in curriculum and instruction and education specialties at St. John’s University in New York City. Dr. Johnson is the author of numerous books, book chapters, and journal articles that address the impact of poverty on learning.

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Importance of Average: Playing the Game ...
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Publication Date: 2010
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket