“Ultimately, Breaking Barriers is about improving education so that a child's future success is no longer primarily determined by their zip code (i.e., whether they live in a rich or poor area). Breaking Barriers is an invaluable study of a tested model with potential for improving countless lives, highly recommended especially for library Educational Studies shelves.”
—Midwest Book Review
“In my opinion, this book should be on the reading list of every school board, superintendent, principal and education service provider.”
—On Board, newspaper of the New York State School Boards Association
“This book would be of interest to anyone interested in understanding the barriers to college entry and workforce readiness.”
—Teachers College Record
“In my experience, children need a healthy environment in order to thrive; they need to feel safe, welcomed, challenged, inspired, and supported. Successful educational models, like P-TECH or community schools, have figured out how to bring these elements together. By moving beyond the normal confines of the school and partnering with local stakeholders, these schools provide real solutions to the unique problems of the students and families that they serve, and are another major step forward in reclaiming the promise of public education.”
—From the Foreword by Randi Weingarten, president, American Federation of Teachers
“Breaking Barriers is a compelling read. It shows that a clear pathway from school, to college, to career goes beyond an aspiration—it’s achievable, and for all students. The global success of P-TECH schools is something education, government, and business leaders need to learn about and get behind.”
—Arne Duncan, former United States Secretary of Education
“Breaking Barriers is a must-read. The P-TECH story shows that quality schools leading to not just a high school diploma but college completion and career success are critical to our future. This is the kind of opportunity and support that must be provided to all students, regardless of income or race.”
—Darren Walker, president, Ford Foundation
“Every child deserves a world-class education. It is important that we encourage new ideas that give parents realistic and better alternatives to prepare children for the jobs of the future. P-TECH schools not only expand educational opportunities, but also strengthen our economy.”
—Governor Larry Hogan, Maryland
“Stan Litow and Tina Kelley’s new book shows us how we can remedy two of the biggest challenges of our time—persistent inequality in education and the looming skills gap facing employers—by reimagining public school education with a focus on college and work. Breaking Barriers reveals P-TECH schools as that rare model for education on which school leaders, business experts, politicians, parents, and students can all agree. Anyone who is interested in the future of our children and our economy should read it.”
—Deanna M. Mulligan, author of Hire Purpose: How Smart Companies Can Close the Skills Gap and former chair and CEO, the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
“In these pages, Stanley Litow and Tina Kelley not only engagingly describe the elements that have made the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) model successful, they also illuminate the necessary components that any serious education improvement effort should strive to manifest. P-Tech has helped thousands and thousands of young people on their path from school, to college, to career through a potent mix of: high expectations for what all students are able to achieve; a focus on educational equity for students who are historically and presently underserved; access to rigorous, relevant coursework; strong supports for students; and meaningful partnerships among education, business, and community partners. This is a necessary read for anyone who believes in the incredible potential of young people and what is possible when sectors unite with a common purpose to make the future brighter for all of us, and for generations to come.”
—John B. King, Jr., former United States Secretary of Education and president and CEO, The Education Trust
