Getting Schooled: Schooling the System by Eileen Walkenstein

A Must-Read for Parents, Educators, and Policymakers

In her groundbreaking book, "Getting Schooled: Schooling the System," Eileen Walkenstein takes a deep dive into the American education system, exposing its flaws and offering practical solutions for improvement. With over three decades of experience as an educator and education consultant, Walkenstein provides a unique perspective on the challenges facing our schools and the urgent need for reform.

Uncovering the Problems

Walkenstein begins by painting a vivid picture of the current state of American education. She highlights the widening achievement gap, the increasing dropout rates, and the alarming lack of resources in many schools. She argues that these problems are not simply the result of individual student or teacher failure, but rather systemic issues that require comprehensive solutions.

The Root Causes

Walkenstein identifies several root causes of the problems in our education system, including:

• Underfunding: Schools are chronically underfunded, leading to overcrowded classrooms, inadequate resources, and low teacher salaries.
• Inequity: The education system is plagued by inequity, with students from wealthy families having access to better resources and opportunities than students from low-income families.
• Standardized testing: The overemphasis on standardized testing has narrowed the curriculum and created a culture of teaching to the test.
• Lack of teacher support: Teachers are often overworked and under-resourced, making it difficult for them to provide individualized attention to students.

A Call to Action

Walkenstein argues that we cannot afford to continue on the current path. She calls for a fundamental transformation of the American education system, one that focuses on equity, opportunity, and student success. She offers a number of specific recommendations for reform, including:

• Increased funding: Schools need more funding to provide smaller class sizes, better resources, and higher teacher salaries.
• More equitable funding: Funding should be distributed more equitably, so that all students have access to the same quality of education regardless of their socioeconomic status.
• Rethink standardized testing: Standardized testing should be used as a tool to inform instruction, not as a measure of student success.
• Support for teachers: Teachers need more support, including professional development, mentoring, and reduced class sizes.

A Blueprint for Change

"Getting Schooled: Schooling the System" is a powerful indictment of the American education system, but it is also a hopeful book. Walkenstein provides a clear roadmap for reform, and she demonstrates that change is possible. This book is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of education in America.

Praise for "Getting Schooled: Schooling the System"

"A powerful and provocative book that challenges us to rethink the way we educate our children." —Diane Ravitch, author of "The Death and Life of the Great American School System"

"A must-read for anyone who cares about the future of education in America. Walkenstein provides a clear and compelling case for reform." —Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers

"A wake-up call for parents, educators, and policymakers. Walkenstein exposes the flaws in our education system and offers practical solutions for improvement." —Arne Duncan, former U.S. Secretary of Education