Failing School, Failing City: The Reality of Inner City Education

by Martin Johnson

The author is a teacher in inner London with thirty years' experience of teaching in the inner city and working with disruptive pupils. Here he speaks from the teachers point of view about underclass culture and the unremitting conflict it sets up, a situation equally applicable in the United States, and one rarely heard over calls for better teachers. He proposes his own radical solutions to some of the problems but argues the only long-term remedy lies in the eradication of poverty.

192 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1999

Reviews

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly disappointed by the lack of connection between the school and the environment in which the students live, this book was necessary. At a time when the money from Abbott is suppose to cure the issues of urban schools this book is an eye opener for those who do not teach. Though the author writes this for teachers it really should be read by BOE's and administrators.
Another concern was the lack of discussion of the relationship between the students and teachers. I agree with Martin that it is not the teachers fault that the children in schools around the world are not reaching their potential. But there is a disconnect between the teachers and the students as well as the cities community. The aformentioned are also an important aspect of failing schools.