Synopses & Reviews
The call-to-arms to “leave no child behind” in America has become popularly associated with the Bush administration’s education plan—a plan that actually diverges greatly from the ideals of the Children’s Defense Fund, which originated the concept. Here, in a bold and engaging new book, Dr. James Comer reclaims this now-famous exhortation as a tool for positive and substantive change.
Far removed from the federal government’s focus on standardized testing as the panacea for our educational ills, Dr. Comer’s argument—drawn from his own experiences as the creator of the School Development Program—urges teachers, policymakers, and parents alike to work toward creating a new kind of school environment.
In so doing, Dr. Comer reignites a crucial debate as he details the evolution and many successes of his School Development Program since its inception thirty-five years ago, and he illustrates how his model for change has proven effective in public schools throughout the country. Most important, he offers proof that students from all backgrounds can learn at a high level, adopt positive behavioral attitudes, and prepare for a fulfilling adult life, if they learn in schools that provide adequate support for their complete development--schools that know that leaving no child behind should be much more than just a convenient political slogan.
Synopsis
The call-to-arms to leave no child behind” in America has become popularly associated with the Bush administrations education plana plan that actually diverges greatly from the ideals of the Childrens Defense Fund, which originated the concept. Here, in a bold and engaging new book, Dr. James Comer reclaims this now-famous exhortation as a tool for positive and substantive change.
Far removed from the federal governments focus on standardized testing as the panacea for our educational ills, Dr. Comers argumentdrawn from his own experiences as the creator of the School Development Programurges teachers, policymakers, and parents alike to work toward creating a new kind of school environment.
In so doing, Dr. Comer reignites a crucial debate as he details the evolution and many successes of his School Development Program since its inception thirty-five years ago, and he illustrates how his model for change has proven effective in public schools throughout the country. Most important, he offers proof that students from all backgrounds can learn at a high level, adopt positive behavioral attitudes, and prepare for a fulfilling adult life, if they learn in schools that provide adequate support for their complete development--schools that know that leaving no child behind should be much more than just a convenient political slogan.
About the Author
James P. Comer, M.D., is Maurice Falk Professor of Child Psychiatry at the Yale Child Study Center and associate dean at the Yale University School of Medicine. He is the author or editor of many books and articles, including more than 150 articles for Parents magazine. Dr. Comer has served as a consultant to the Childrens Television Workshop and the Public Committee on Mental Health and as a member of the National Commission on Teaching and Americas Future and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Carnegie Forum on Education and the Economy. He has been awarded numerous honors, including the prestigious Heinz Award in the Human Condition for his profound influence on disadvantaged children.