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Take just a quick look at the effects of the past half-century's attempted educational reforms and it's clear the American public school system has been in decline for the last 50 years, says author and retired educator Renato Nicolai. In his eye-opening new book, "The Nightmare That Is Public Education: An Exposé of What Really Happens in Public Schools," Dr. Nicolai gives his assessment of public education, based on 38 years of experience as a teacher and school administrator. "The public education system is rooted in the false notion that all teachers are qualified educators who can be trusted to make good decisions, follow school district rules and regulations, work together in a spirit of collegiality, promote the welfare of students as a priority, and generally, do what is just, moral and professional," Nicolai says. "This description is simply not true ."
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595436149
Reviewed by Deb Shunamon for Reader Views (1/08)
Anyone who is the least bit involved with their children’s schooling will have some idea, and opinion, of how well the U.S. public education system is working. An educator with many years of experience in both the classroom and as an administrator, Dr. Renato Nicolai discusses why he feels public schools are failing to adequately educate American students, and what educators and parents must do to ensure that public education remains effective and relevant.
Dr. Nicolai does applaud the few dedicated teachers, politicians, and parents who are truly committed to, and are actively providing, an excellent education for students in the public system, but there is sure to be a lot of heated discussion because of his reasons as to why the majority are failing. One emphasized reason is the incompetence of teachers. Dr. Nicolai refers back to teacher education curricula and speaks to the absence, or low quality, of the basics in classrooms and schools today. From poor physical environments and classroom management, to inadequate discipline, relaxed attitudes towards dress requirements, and low expectations, he feels that it is America’s swing alarmingly toward a liberal, permissive, almost-anything-goes bias (p.143), that is undermining the effectiveness of committed teachers, preventing students from learning, and is negatively affecting the entire country by encouraging disrespect and incompetence.
Dr. Nicolai uses a lot of alarming vocabulary to express his forceful opinions on the declining state of the American public education system, but also supplies quotes and a research bibliography to add support to his views. Agree with him or not, Dr. Renato Nicolai’s “The Nightmare That Is Public Education” will most certainly get its readers thinking, talking, and most importantly from his standpoint, taking action.
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