The United States entered the 21st century as the world’s sole superpower. Our diplomatic strength, military might, financial resources, and technological innovation were, and continue to be, the envy of the world. However, in the crucial area of education, the U.S. lags behind many other developed countries. Though the U.S. spends more per student than almost any other country, international exams have demonstrated that we consistently perform well behind countries such as South Korea, China, Japan, and Finland in the areas of reading and math. There are even more worrying elements at play, however. Paramount among these is the fact that the U.S. educational system is becoming ever more stratified. Despite efforts such as the George W. Bush administration’s No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), the disparity in academic achievement between students from high and low socioeconomic classes continues to grow.
The ramifications of this trend are vast. China, Japan, and South Korea understand that well-educated workers are crucial for survival in the competitive global economy. Thus, they are placing enormous emphasis on education, ensuring that their students receive instruction not only foundational reading and math, but are also taught to think creatively and solve problems. Their youth are poised to take on and conquer the world. The U.S., on the other hand, is losing the battle. School systems are using more money but have less to show for it. Test results, especially among the lower socioeconomic classes, are dismal. America has extraordinary natural resources, a solid, functioning democracy, and excellent infrastructure, but unless we can reform our educational system to produce students who are able to take advantage of new technologies and compete in the global economy, we will cede our position as world leader. Its Time for Change: School Reform provides a no nonsense blueprint for reforming The U. S. educational system in a manner that will ensure that it secures its position as the preeminent word leader.
Industry Reviews
"At a time when our nation is searching for ways to reform public education Mathew Lynch is offering answers. In It's Time for Change he presents a collection of ideas for improving our public schools that are practical and could make a genuine difference if implemented with fidelity. The insights drawn from his careful research illuminate why past strategies have failed to deliver the results that were promised and what it might take to produce different outcomes. For educators and policymakers who are ready for change, this book will be an invaluable resource." -- Pedro A. Noguera Ph.D, distinguished professor of education UCLA Graduate School of Education & Information Studies
"Its Time for Change is a timely treatise on the role, rationale, and road ahead for school reform. Lynch's volume is both an acknowledgment of the complex quagmire of public schools in America and a hopeful call to action reifying the importance of this great experiment. The volume provides scholarly context and practical possibilities for policy, finance, parents, and building-administration. From the profound "Open Letter to America" to the closing chapter on "Turning Theory into Practice", Lynch has given us much to ponder, a reason for hope, and lots to do...quickly." -- M. Christopher Brown II
"In this hard-hitting volume, Matthew Lynch tackles the challenges and opportunities of contemporary school reform. Surveying the state of American education a decade after No Child Left Behind, Lynch takes a close look at the reforms du jour and calls for rethinking our approach to accountability and school improvement. It's clear that we can expect to hear much more from Dr. Lynch in the years to come." -- Frederick M. Hess, director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute
"This text is a must read as it examines all sectors: teachers, parents, the Federal Government, school district personnel and students. I recommend this text without hesitation." -- Adriel A. Hilton, PhD, Upper Iowa University, Executive Assistant to the President
