White House and Education through the Years

The book sets forth the early developments established by colonial leaders to place public education in the forefront of their new America. The ups and downs of the educational perspectives of the many national leaders demonstrate the important issues and problems that have faced and are facing the improvement of public education nationally. Although every effort is made to stay clear of the ‘politics’ that are encountered in educational policy, its influence on educational matters such as control, funding, improvement, purpose and availability is readily recognized in the views and contributions of the nation’s presidential leaders. Although the book is not a history of a president’s life or a history of a president’s personal education, many books have been written on these topics, this book focuses on the educational views and personal contributions of the presidents to the maintenance and improvement of K-12 and higher education in America from the colonial period to the present time.

In my 39 years as a teacher and school principal, I’ve never come across a book which has factually captured the educational views and contributions of our 44 presidents. In the context of five eras, Dr. Norton takes you through each president’s views on education and policy during their administration and related service in governmental positions. It’s a must read, especially for gaining new knowledge as well as promoting a better understanding of the impact that the nation’s presidents have made on the educational system in America. Teachers, students, school administrators, parents and other members of the citizenry will find great interest and personal benefit in reading this unique book. It, indeed, is one of a kind., Norton’s work, The Whitehouse and Education Through the Years, U.S.Presidents’ Views and Significant Contributions, is a thoughtful, comprehensive, in-depth and enlightening study of how our presidents have influenced  the education of our youth since the founding of our country.  It is an invaluable resource for the teachers of history, government, or citizenship when discussing how our presidents have enabled every students’ opportunities to study and learn.  For the layman who is a student of history or enjoys presidential studies, The Whitehouse and Education provides unusual insight into an aspect of presidential responsibilities and duties rarely discussed by historians even though education is a cornerstone of our democracy.  Norton’s discussion of each president’s interest as well as influence in education during specific periods of our country’s history is of particular importance.  In short, the book is easy to read, informative, and enjoyable—a must read.

Dr. M. Scott Norton is a former public school teacher, coordinator of curriculum, assistant superintendent and superintendent of schools. He has served as professor and vice chair of the Department of Educational Administration and Supervision at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and as professor and chair of the Department of Educational Administration and Policy Studies at Arizona State University, where he is professor emeritus.