American Education

by Joel Spring

Featuring current information and challenging perspectives on the latest issues and forces shaping the American educational system—with scholarship that is often cited as a primary source—Joel Spring introduces readers to the historical, political, social and legal foundations of education and to the profession of teaching in the United States. In his signature straightforward, concise approach to describing complex issues, he illuminates events and topics that are often overlooked or whitewashed, giving students the opportunity to engage in critical thinking about education. Students come away informed on the latest topics, issues and data and with a strong knowledge of the forces shaping the American educational system.

Updated throughout, the 21st edition of this clear, authoritative text remains fresh and up-to-date, reflecting the many changes in education that have occurred since the publication of the previous edition. New coverage

Discussion of “culture wars” and critical race theory Parental rights versus the goals of common education LGBTQIA+ students’ rights Discussion of the current administration’s educational policies

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, School, Grad School, Read For School, History

243 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Angie Miles]

finally finished this book for school - honestly hated the writing in this book lol but some of the content was definitely important

[N.T. McQueen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not entirely sure if this book is intended to inspire prospective teachers but provides a comprehensive summary of important political, social, and cultural issues related to public education in the U.S.

[John Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for anyone interested in where American public education has been, is, and is going.

This is the 18th edition of the book and Spring has done a fantastic job keeping the information relevant to the current educational and political climate. He takes into consideration both political parties stances on education during the 2016 presidential election as well as the current president's educational initiatives.

However, where this book really shines is in the look back at education and how the past has effected and determined where we are now.

[John Levasseur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid Introduction and Overview of American Education

The title says it all. This text was assigned for a graduate class on the history of education. I was introduced and informed about many historical and current issues in the field of teaching and learning in the American Education system. This not a pleasure read but a very interested engaging study aid and guide to an informed understanding of the backdrop behind a teaching career in American schools.

[Meredith Starkenburg · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Read this for an education class in school. A good, though surface level, summary of the history of the American education system, its flaws, and the policies put in place to fix it. Awfully pessimistic at times and not well-organized or well-written. Serves its purpose to illustrate American educational history but I would not recommend it as a means of encouraging prospective teachers due to its lack of encouragement / overall pessimism.

[Andrew Wright · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a consistently effective and objective history and outline of American educational policy. Until the end. Spring's final chapter was a savage and understated criticism of Human Capital theory and American consumerism and I loved it. Unlimited economic growth has no moral compass and is a Tantalus bubble that will destroy the Earth or burst trying.

[Rudy Herrera · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this for school. It’s kind of all over the place and doesn’t really cover the topic that it claims to be about. Wishy washy when it feels like, but stern when it wants to be. It needs more direction and better bridging between topics.

[Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of the public Education system in the U.S. Would recommend to any incoming teacher - gave a lot of helpful context.

[Molly Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some graphs and charts have discrepancies, but otherwise very valuable for a history of education in the United States.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 The beginning half of the book is fascinating but the later chapters felt rushed and not as well written.

[Gwen]

read for society & education class

[Tiana · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is a lot of history and context, but it's not particularly inspiring. Also felt a little lit a plug for Spring's other titles.

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book by Joel Spring is phenomenal but this was my first.

[Jonathan Brammer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of many the history and issues surrounding the U.S. education system. Many of the questions Spring raises are left unanswered, reflecting the complexity of education policy and politics. What's interesting is that these questions are not raised in the public sphere very often, even when debating a national reform movement like No Child Left Behind. People rarely consider what outcomes we expect from public education - informed citizens, workers competitive in the 21st C economy, free thinkers, or none of the above?

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explains the history of American education well. This book does not help you become a better teacher in the sense that, it offers little advice. However, it offers a rich history of American education which, in turn, helps teachers understand the education system in the past and present. Overall, worth the read.

[Kelli]

required reading...$65 for this little paperback...I don't think I'm going to like this book......actually I found what I read very interesting. It wasn't as boring or biased as I expected!

[Rigatoni Baloney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Currently reading the 15th Edition of this book for my graduate class. Very current use of politics and legislative policy in the educational environment today.

[Sendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion, this book should be REQUIRED READING for any educator, and for any parent that has a child in a public school. Extremely honest and relevant.

[Larissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

required reading EDA 505

[Leanna Aker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed this book in preparation for my Ph.D. comp exams. Read it in a program a long time ago. This book has nice, concise chapters about how American Education came to be.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading about education, but not politics.

[Marisol · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellently concise history of educational systems in the United States.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great text. This was a text book for my EDF 475 class. Very informational-- included laws, court cases, and happenings that shaped the American Public School system. Dense language for some, but I found it to be very rich with knowledge. Depending on the edition you have, chunks of information that you would find important may be left out.