“Education today is rife with frustration, finger-pointing, and the search for a new model of ‘reform.’ Carl Glickman and Ian Mette take up the challenge in this thoughtful, concrete volume, sketching a vision of democratic, reflective, and professionally accountable schools. Readers need not endorse every element to find much worth pondering in this heartening, timely effort.”
—Frederick M. Hess, director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute
“Glickman describes how all of the members of our society can participate in redesigning schools—marshaling cooperative and democratic forces for creating just, fair, and equal education that enables meaningful learning for all children.”
—Linda Darling-Hammond, professor emeritus, Stanford University, in praise of Renewing America’s Schools
“At this fragmented juncture, Carl Glickman and Ian Mette remind us across the cultural divide that the essential purpose of education is to build a better society. This timely and critical book demonstrates how teaching and learning, and a democratic school community, are the key assets to solving our problems. It is not just the future of our schools that is at stake but democracy itself.”
—William Mathis, National Education Policy Center, Vermont State School Board member, and recipient of the Horace Mann Award
“While I have benefited personally from Carl Glickman’s advice and counsel, my life would have been a whole lot easier if he and Ian Mette had written this book when I was in the principal’s office. Well-grounded in the philosophy and theory of democratic change and leadership, the book contains specific ways that school leaders can bring about change in the name of public schools better preparing citizens for our democracy. This is the book any visionary school leader should read before the start of school, or the book any visionary teacher should share with peers. Here’s to another generation of school leaders who will be inspired by the work of Carl Glickman and Ian Mette. Students will be better off for it.”
—George Wood, former principal and superintendent of Federal Hocking Schools, Stewart, Ohio and Convener of The Forum for Education and Democracy
Praise for Carl Glickman’s Renewing America’s Schools:
“A down-to-earth and provocative look at the school reform movement, Renewing America's Schools keeps the focus of renewal squarely on teaching and learning concerns. It is an invaluable resource for anyone involved with school change.” ( Tom Payzant, Former Superintendent of Schools in San Diego and Boston, now lecturer at Harvard)
"Glickman's approach to school renewal is morally grounded and practical….Writing clearly and persuasively, Glickman gives readers a road map for a long-term school renewal process with great potential. Pointing out the bumps in the road, he nonetheless makes a challenging task seem possible and exciting." ( Educational Leadership)
"The book shows teachers, principals, students, parents, central office personnel, school boards, and community members what they need to do to create schools that are purposeful, moral, and successful places…. It is quick reading but at the same time provides very thoughtful insights into a process that has many of us stymied." ( Contemporary Education)
“Powerful set of guidelines for enacting new schools suited to the development of democratic societies. Educators and community leaders alike will find this book an inspiring and valuable resource for developing schools of the future." ( Michael Fullan, Dean of Education, University of Toronto)
