"Deborah Meier has for twenty years led one of the most remarkable public schools in the country, Central Park East (CPE) in East Harlem, where 90 percent of the students graduate high school and 90 percent of those go on to college, this in a city where the average graduation rate is 50 percent. CPE is a school where inner-city kids and teachers experience and act on the "power of their ideas," and it has been called the best school in New York City. As founder and advocate, Meier has won national acclaim as a leading voice and visionary writer in education." "In this long-awaited book, Meier issues an eloquent, timely defense of public education. Taking on pessimists and privatizers, she tells us all why public education is vital to the future of our democracy and our kids. Equally important, she shows why good education is possible for all our children, starting with the remarkable success story of Central Park East." "Drawing on her life as a teacher and principal, Meier argues for radical innovation: for breaking up huge schools into small schools; for choice within the public school system; for respect; for teaching that connects learning to real-world activities; for a new ideal of being "well-educated.""--Jacket

Deborah Meier

Boston: Beacon Press

Bluestreak

United States, United States of America

obscured text inherent front cover
cut off text

Includes bibliographical references (p. 187-190).

At Central Park East (CPE) schools in East Harlem, New York City, 90 percent of students graduate from high school and 90 percent of those go on to college. Starting with the CPE success story, this book shows why good education is possible for all children, and why public education is vital to the future of our democracy. Begun in the mid-1970s, CPE is now four public schools serving primarily Latino and African American students, most from low-income families. Rooted in the traditions of progressive education, CPE has focused on: (1) building democratic community, both giving decision-making power to school staff and preparing students for full citizenship; (2) promoting strong respectful relationships with families and the local community; (3) fostering "habits of the mind," rigorous critical inquiry that challenges students' curiosity and builds on their natural drive toward competence; (4) integrating the curriculum and teaching fewer subjects in depth rather than more subjects superficially; and (5) connecting learning to the real world. The innovations undertaken at CPE were made possible by school choice mechanisms (parents chose to send their children to CPE) and by the schools' small size. Small size (defined as a maximum of 20 teachers, with a maximum class size of 20) allows staff to be personally involved in all school decisions, to know about each other's work, and to know their students' work and ways of thinking; fosters physical safety and accountability; and immerses students in a school culture shaped by adults. By engaging teachers, small schools stand a chance of engaging students, too, and helping them become lifelong learners and actively participating citizens of a free society. Contains lists of suggested readings. (SV)

xii, 190 p. ; 24 cm
Includes bibliographical references (p. 187-190)

2023-06-28