Hirsch, E. D. 1928-

Why knowledge matters : rescuing our children from failed educational theories / E.D. Hirsch, Jr - 270 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

Includes bibliographical references (pages 227-257) and index

Prologue: the tyranny of three ideas -- The invalid testing of students -- The scapegoating of teachers -- Preschool and the persistence of fadeout -- The dilution of the elementary curriculum -- The persistence of achievement gaps -- The tribulations of the common core -- The educational fall of France -- The knowledge-based school -- Epilogue: breaking free -- Appendix i: the origins of natural-development theories of education -- Appendix ii: translations of French reports -- Appendix iii: the Japanese early science curriculum

In this provocative book, influential scholar E.D. Hirsch, Jr., addresses critical issues in contemporary education reform - over-testing, teacher blaming, preschool fadeout, and the persistence of achievement gaps over time. In each case, he shows how cherished truisms about education and child development have led to unintended and negative consequences. Drawing on recent findings in neuroscience and new data from France, he provides new evidence for the argument that a coherent, knowledge-based elementary curriculum is essential to providing the foundations for children's life success and ensuring equal opportunity for students of all backgrounds

9781612509525 1612509525 1612509533 (library edition) 9781612509532 (library edition)

2016012718


Education, Elementary--Curricula
Educational change
Educational accountability
Education--Standards
Education--Aims and objectives
Educational innovations

LB1570 / .H57 2016

372