“Education is a gift that once attained cannot be forsaken. It must be nurtured and fostered like a flower ready to bloom. Tests do not prove intelligent capabilities. Aptitude and grit do as well as perservereance, independence, a strong will, and loving support of your chosen family and friends.” ( )

More evidence of how America's schools are dooming the future generations. Surprising that Finland is a top country for education and they transformed themselves in ~10 years. ( )

An easy-reading but informative book. The author travels the world to understand why some countries are better than others when it comes to educating their children. Until our leaders decide they want our children to become effective critical thinkers, active learners, and successful adults, the parents must ensure their children understand the importance of hard work, accomplishing goals, and becoming effective communicators. Parents must become involved in local politics and school board issues to develop into advocates for their children. ( )

I know many teachers aren't fans of Amanda Ripley's education reporting, but I think that's because she challenges so many elements of education we've come to accept as "normal" and reminds us that they aren't, in fact, normal--not in a global market, and not in a country where manufacturing means something very different now than it did at the time of Henry Ford. Even if you don't agree with Ripley's politics or her take on U.S. education, this is worth a read to see what education looks like in different countries. ( )

Read it if you care about education. Ripley is an investigative journalist and an excellent writer; she draws you into the whirlpool of how to improve education through analysis of test scores that compare student performance on an international level and the experiences of three American teens abroad. As a teacher for more than 30 years, I must say I am a bit surprised that anyone would take offense at Ripley's information that teachers in the highest scoring countries are from systems with FAR more competitive and challenging teacher training programs. It is crucial to the quality of education. Compared to this, her comments about pay are insignificant (and frankly minimal). Of course, you cannot be a great teacher if smart is the only thing you bring to the table (sense of humor, liking children help) but it is the place you must begin. Her comments about parents and school are right on. Sit down and talk to your kids. Meaningfully. I suspect much of the discontent about the book is because Ripley's makes no bones about the disproportionate role of sports in US schools. She is right. ( )