Summary
In his book, "The Shame of the Nation, " Jonathan Kozol delves into the public school system as he explores the struggles the poor and minorities face in their education in comparison to children of the upper class. Through his visits to inner-city schools and interviews conducted with both teachers and students, Kozol finds that these children are often denied the same education and resources simply because they were born into poverty. In these schools, he finds one aspect that is consistent with all of the inner-city schools he visited-there are no white children. With the government blaming their problems on the school, minority children find themselves placed in schools with little resources, overcrowded classrooms, unexperienced teachers, and overall poor conditions - something which would be unheard of in an upper class or all-white school. Some of the conditions are so shocking, you can only read to believe. Kozol notes that the presence of white children does not necessarily mean better schools and resources, but minorities and white children interacting can increase student achievement.
Further on in the book, Kozol discusses the implementation of standardized tests that the government has forced upon these schools. He remarks that the schools who perform poorly are declined the very materials/resources that they need to improve. Even still, a large portion of the day is devoted to "teaching to the test" and incorporating government funded rigorous programs that appear to have the teachers and students acting in rote, formal ways. Students are not taught to think and live in fear of the test. Overall, Jonathan Kozol stresses the detriment of segregation on minority students and blames their poor education on the failure of the government to better fund the schools they attend.
Kozol writes with a passion for all students to have equal access to education. He calls for a reform in the education system in our nation and with each page inspires you to fight for change. "The Shame of the Nation" is a real eye-opener and challenges its readers to think about the problems it poses.
Further on in the book, Kozol discusses the implementation of standardized tests that the government has forced upon these schools. He remarks that the schools who perform poorly are declined the very materials/resources that they need to improve. Even still, a large portion of the day is devoted to "teaching to the test" and incorporating government funded rigorous programs that appear to have the teachers and students acting in rote, formal ways. Students are not taught to think and live in fear of the test. Overall, Jonathan Kozol stresses the detriment of segregation on minority students and blames their poor education on the failure of the government to better fund the schools they attend.
Kozol writes with a passion for all students to have equal access to education. He calls for a reform in the education system in our nation and with each page inspires you to fight for change. "The Shame of the Nation" is a real eye-opener and challenges its readers to think about the problems it poses.