Synopses & Reviews
In
Altered Destinies, Gene Maeroff poses important questions about what is needed to equalize the tremendous imbalance between the education received by middle to upper class children and the education received by lower class children. He argues that, in addition to greater financial investment in their schools, lower class children must possess a strong support system--what he refers to as "social capital"--which emphasizes four areas: a sense of connectedness, a sense of well-being, a sense of academic initiative, and a sense of knowing. Maeroff builds a compelling case for how and why the concept of social capital will make a difference in the effort to improve opportunities for disadvantaged schoolchildren.
Review
"With an astute analysis of what is missing in so many childrens lives, and examples of programs, schools, and communities that have found ways to meet the basic needs he outlines, Gene Maeroff clearly shows how we can ensure no child is left behind."
--Marion Wright Edelman, President, The Childrens Defense Fund
Synopsis
In
Altered Destinies, Gene Maeroff poses important questions about what is needed to equalize the tremendous imbalance between the education received by middle to upper class children and the education received by lower class children. He argues that, in addition to greater financial investment in their schools, lower class children must possess a strong support system--what he refers to as "social capital"--which emphasizes four areas: a sense of connectedness, a sense of well-being, a sense of academic initiative, and a sense of knowing. Maeroff builds a compelling case for how and why the concept of social capital will make a difference in the effort to improve opportunities for disadvantaged schoolchildren.
Synopsis
How can America enrich the educational experience of children in need? Gene Maeroff answers that, in addition to greater financial investment in their schools, these children must have a support system that emphasizes four areas: a sense of connectedness, a sense of well-being, a sense of academic initiative, and a sense of knowing. Maeroff builds a compelling case for how a system of social capital will make a difference in the effort to improve opportunities for disadvantaged children.
About the Author
Gene I. Maeroff is Director of the Hechinger Institute on Education and the Media at Teachers College, Columbia University. He is also the author of
The School Smart Parent. He lives in Princeton, NJ.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Social Capital for the Needy * A Sense of Connectedness * Linking Students to Schools * Linking Communities to Schools * Linking Activism to Schools * Linking the Home to the School * A Sense of Well-Being * The School as Community Center * An Array of Health Services * The Emotional and Psychological Climate * Developing Human Potential * A Sense of Academic Initiative * A Foundation for Achievement * The Promise of a Better Future * Great Expectations * Engaging Students * A Sense of Knowing * Providing a Knowledge Base * Enriching the Schoolday * Attaining Social Competence * Enlisting the Home * Conclusion: Looking Back, Looking Ahead