Knowing Your Schools

Education is a significant social program in our culture because we understand that learning well impacts our capacity to live well. Its importance produces many controversies because perspectives are greatly influenced by what policies and practices are implemented. Inevitably, the general public has insufficient time and/or interest to scratch away the veneer surrounding controversial matters and discover what should be.This book identifies numerous conflicts within the field of education and provides the perspectives and information which stakeholders within the enterprise sweep aside or cover-up. An extensive data-base is used to demonstrate why existing policies and practices create unfair learning situations for our nation’s children, frequently described as our most valuable resource. Policy-makers, both administrative and legislative, are caught in the middle; yet, they choose to avoid controversy by siding with educators. This book provides evidence of how the decision-making should be altered to achieve optimal learning in our North American schools.

From a place of experience, concern, success and conviction Jim Dueck writes a book of powerful insight. I was struck, as a business owner how accurate the information is. Having looked at job applications filled out by "graduates" I confirm the sad reality of a failing educational system. A strong rebuke which should cause serious thought. In chapter 8, "Parents Responsibility and Rights" the author puts his finger on something most profound. What does one base Morality on? More importantly how has this impacted our educational system and culture? Certainly is thought provoking and worthy of consideration. Facts are difficult things to ignore. How much longer do we continue to do so? , Dr. Dueck, once again, does not hesitate to deal with the ‘hot button’ issues of the public education systems of North America. Standardized testing, age span for school entry (relative age effect), artificial test score inflation, two-month summer vacation and gender identity are just some of the issues that can generate controversy. Even the role of Biblical values is examined in light of social ills that impact many aspects of school life. Extensive research and practical examples provide a basis for discussion that will benefit all parents as they take responsibility for their children’s education., A high standard of education is a vital component of a satisfying, productive life for the individual and for the well-being of a nation. Dr. Jim Dueck is the rare individual who has viewed and experienced the education enterprise from all sides, from teaching and superintending to advising governments. Steeped in research, he is eminently qualified not only to diagnose what ails education today but also to recommend pragmatic remedies to transform schools to achieve better results, accountability and fairness. It is incumbent on us as parents, educators and officials to muster the courage to do all in our power to implement the necessary changes for the maximum benefit to our students and therefore our nation’s future. Knowing Your Schools is for everyone!, This book is written for the public at large; and every person concerned about our children and our nation's future should be concerned with the issues so well described. The ship is lilting, and maybe even sinking. This book tells us where the damage is, to what extent, how it occurred, and how to right it, and provides a new course on which to sail. It hits on every possible controversial issue a parent (and our country) faces in just trying to get their child a good education. What great questions! Why are students and parents the only ones accountable for the child's educational success? Aren't parents paying the bill? Aren't they the customer? Aren't students the product? Isn't the school system the vendor given the responsibility, and funding, to produce a product over a twelve-year period, ready to take on adult life?

Jim Dueck has had a career in education spanning forty years of service as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and deputy minister. He advised representatives from almost fifty education systems around the world, who sought suggestions regarding assessment and accountability in education, including the US government’s launching of the Race to the Top initiative and Common Core.