Why School Reform Is Failing And What We Need To Do About It ― 10 Lessons from the Trenches

Wartgow describes ten lessons he learned about education reform, based on his experiences at large systems at the K-12 and higher education levels, along with theories of management, ideas from colleagues, and studying how the educational system has evolved in the US. He reviews progress made two decades ago set forth in a national report ("A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Education Reform"), proving that quick fixes don't work, and discussing the lack of a national consensus about education. He then covers the importance of civic and institutional capacity, community collaboration, and the obstacles that legislation, litigation, and labor agreements have presented to reform. He ends with a discussion of how to avoid repeating past mistakes, understanding theory, and accepting reality. Wartgow was most recently superintendent of Denver Public Schools. He aims the book at state and federal legislators; national, state, and local education agencies and foundations; principals and teachers; consultants; and those studying education at the college level, as well as parents and community members. Annotation c2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Jerry Wartgow has over forty years of experience working in the trenches at all levels of education, including nearly thirty years as the president/chief executive officer of large, complex educational institutions and organizations. Most recently (2001-2005), he served as superintendent of Denver Public Schools. He is the founding president and president emeritus of the Colorado Community College System.