American Educator
Fall 2007

 

Table of Contents

Notebook

The Agenda That Saved Public Education
By Richard D. Kahlenberg

This excerpt from a new biography of Albert Shanker explains the insight that made the former AFT president an internationally known leader: The best way to defend public education is to improve it. Shanker was a union leader, intellectual, and reformer who championed teacher professionalism, high academic standards, and democracy at home and abroad.

Peer Assistance and Review

"Where We Stand"

Teaching Plutarch in the Age of Hollywood
By Gilbert T. Sewall

Until recently, Plutarch was widely read—by William Shakespeare, Abigail Adams, Harry Truman, and the general public. But the writings of the Greek sage and philosopher are still relevant today.

Plutarch for the Sound-Bite Generation (extended web version)

Can Plutarch Regain Popularity?
By Roger Kimball

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Focusing on Academic Intensity and the Road to College Success

Focusing on the Forgotten
How to Put More Kids on the Track to College Success
By Jennifer Jacobson

AVID enrolls average students in challenging courses and provides a variety of instructional supports, including tutors and note-taking strategies, to help them achieve.

When Challenged, Average Kids Succeed

Be the First in Your Family to Go to College (a special handout for your students)
You Can Do It—and This Advice from Other First-Generation College Students Can Help
By Kathleen Cushman

This handout offers your students practical advice and inspiring testimonials from students who have already tackled the college application process.

Two-Year's the Ticket

The Journey Begins Now (PDF)

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Teaching the Legacy of Little Rock (PDF)

September 2007 marked the 50th anniversary of integration at Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. To commemorate it, American Educator compiled a short list of Web sites for developing lessons on the story of the "Little Rock Nine" and desegregation. Plus, Ernest Green, the only one of the Nine in the senior class, reflects on his time at Central High.

Excerpt from Warriors Don't Cry by Melba Patillo Beals, One of the "Little Rock Nine" (this excerpt was originally published in the Summer 1994 issue of American Educator)