Why do students in two dozen countries, from China to Canada, continue to outperform American students in math, science and reading? And what does that reality mean for the future of our kids—and our nation? These are questions that drove Milken National Educator Award-winning teacher Keith Ballard to become the first documented K-12 teacher to complete a self-funded study of schools in 17 countries that regularly beat us on international exams.To discover what these places are doing right, he talked his way into meetings with top education officials in Estonia. He slept in his car so he could afford to visit schools in Switzerland, ate lunch in an elementary school cafeteria in Singapore and donned an apron in a home economics class in Finland. He even landed tours of classes in elusive North Korea. Over the course of a decade, he filmed hundreds of hours of video from more than 170 schools. In this thought-provoking tale, he blends firsthand accounts from inside the world’s top classrooms, hard data and his own experiences as a public school teacher to explore eight distinct elements of the world’s most successful education systems. Ballard advocates for sweeping change. But he also ends each chapter with practical steps every reader—whether you’re a parent or a teacher, a student or a policymaker—can take right now to nudge our schools in the right direction and help our students prosper in this hypercompetitive world.“Keith Ballard attacks the myths surrounding ‘American exceptionalism’ and the myths of American education. … He gives us workable ideas that improve teachers through emphasis on teacher collegiality, development of higher esteem among teachers, teacher mentorship programs, different work schedules for teachers and more significant involvement in curriculum building. Keith’s book provides a genesis for a rebirth of American schools.”—William Frantz, EdD and retired Canadian educational administrator“[Ballard is] the first schoolteacher I have met in the United States who has taken it upon him or herself in a serious way to understand what these countries that are vastly outperforming us are doing and to accept the thought that they might actually have something to teach us. I have spent my life trying to help make teaching a profession, and what [he is] doing is what a real professional in education ought to be doing. So I see [Ballard] as a pioneer.”—Marc Tucker, founder of the National Center on Education and the Economy“This is the medicine many of America’s educators don’t want to take. Don’t blame the messenger for the realistic and honest diagnosis of our educational system.”—Marcus Butler, associate professor in Southern California
✔ Author(s): Keith Ballard,Brooke Staggs
✔ Title: Stealing from the World's Best Schools: What One U.S. Teacher Learned by Visiting Countries that are Doing Education Right
✔ Rating : 5 out of 5 base on (20 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: B0B4BHQQ7Z
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about Stealing from the World's Best Schools by Keith Ballard
Rosehannah Wilkinson
Unravel the secrets of a small town with a dark past in this gripping thriller. The author's atmospheric writing and suspenseful plot make for a page-turner. Each character's hidden motives and secrets add to the tension. The twists and surprises keep you guessing until the very end. It's a chilling and captivating read that you won't want to put down. Perfect for fans of mystery and suspense.
Gipsy Herbert
Experience the profound impact of art and creativity in this beautifully written novel. The author's evocative writing and compelling characters bring the story to life. Each chapter explores the transformative power of art with sensitivity and depth. The plot is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. It's a narrative that celebrates the beauty of human expression. Ideal for readers who appreciate stories about art and inspiration.
Langley Benson
Embark on a journey through time with a historical novel that spans generations. The author's meticulous research and engaging prose create a vivid and immersive experience. Each character's story is intricately woven into the fabric of history. The narrative explores themes of legacy, identity, and change with depth and insight. It's a captivating blend of personal and historical drama. Perfect for fans of multi-generational sagas.
