American Education: A History

by Wayne J. Urban, Jennings L. Wagoner Jr.

American A History, 4e is a comprehensive, highly-regarded history of American education from pre-colonial times to the present. Chronologically organized, it provides an objective overview of each major period in the development of American education, setting the discussion against the broader backdrop of national and world events. The first text to explore Native American traditions (including education) prior to colonization, it also offers strong, ongoing coverage of minorities and women. Key points that define the fourth edition of this volume

Balanced Perspective – The authors provide contrasting views of American educational traditions, reforms, and theories in order to maintain a balanced view of events. They focus on conflicts, compromises and outcomes (positive and negative) that have defined America’s educational past and that shape its future options. They also set discussions against the broader backdrop of national and world events.

Pre-colonial Focus – A unique and much praised opening chapter discusses the educational traditions of Native Americans and the two-way learning exchanges that occurred between two distinct "old world" cultures, that is, between Native American and European cultures. The Indians taught as well as learned from the colonists. No other text has this feature.

Cultural Conflict Focus – Throughout the text attention is paid to the cultural conflicts embedded in the majority-minority struggles of Native Americans and various immigrant groups throughout the nation’s history. Chapter 5: Class, Caste and Education in the South provides an in-depth analysis of the educational legacy of Southern culture throughout the 19 th and 20 th centuries.

Readability – Reviewers have labeled this the "best written text on the market" in terms of style, clarity and interest. "It’s clarity and readability differentiate it from other books."

Changes – The fourth edition will include more visual illustrations as well as substantial new material. A new epilogue adds closing comments on the present and future prospects for American education.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, History, American History, Teaching, Textbooks, Reference

496 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1995

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I did enjoy the majority of this book, there were some troubling uses of language that caused me to give it a three, not a four. They tended to deal with the educational experiences of women, African Americans, etc., particularly in the first half of the book, in sections that were set away from the rest of the chapter. In one of these, "The OUtcasts: Native and African Americans" the authors chose only to talk about Thomas Jefferson's views of Native and African Americans. Later on, they describe the trail of tears as Native Americans being "herded" across the Mississippi (because of course you should talk about people as if they were animals, and use language that downplays the number of people who died because of this policy). They use passive voice to describe the accomplishments of women; for example, "Young's doctoral dissertation. . . gave her the chance to refine her educational views." I got the feeling that some of this type of language was left over from previous editions.

The book is very readable and definitely addresses the socially constructed nature of history. In the end, I'm glad that I read it as it gives a very good overview of how certain educational policies came about, flourished, or got left by the wayside. Aside from the way that their language privileges certain histories over others, it was an excellent treatment of the topic.

[David Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually a pretty good text on the history of American education- kind of dry at points (but I don't think you could write 400+ pages on the topic without that), but overall a very good read.

[Matthew Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stays away from opinionated retelling of much of the history of American education until the final two chapters. Overall a picture is painted about a confused direction of American education and important questions are raised about purpose and the ability of schools to fulfill that purpose. The final chapter is dedicated to the 1980's and onwards and exposes the dubious foundations of much of the modern system. All of which must be critically assessed going forward. Any reader interested in understanding the where and why of their education, as well as how it relates to their society at large, must read this book. Many sources are given and are likely just as important in visiting as the book itself.

[Xavier University Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Providing an overview of the US Education system from pre-colonial times to the present, this book was great for gaining a "big picture" understanding of American Education. Major policy decisions impacting education were covered as were significant figures and transitions in public thought throughout history. There could have been more material and attention paid to non-white education & thought that would have made the book stronger but, overall, it was still good and read well.

[Matt Cirkovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great. It served as a crash course in American history, and education provides an interesting lens through which to view this history. I appreciate the authors' efforts to provide the context for all the changes made in American education history. They are critical but fair in their analysis and do a great job summarizing. Sounds like the newest editions have (obviously) way more recent and relevant content but it is quite a change in history.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look at American education, although I feel like it got off-topic too much.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a slog at times, this book was nonetheless illuminating and helped me understand the complexities of American education.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a history book--impressed. Loved history through many different lenses.

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read it for a history course.

Interesting information. Long chapters. Not my favorite but not the worst history textbook I’ve read.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know you said no textbooks, Shannon, but this book does not read like a textbook at all. It deals with the development of schools in the United States, as well as the feminization of teaching. Yes, it is a textbook for one of my classes, but I deserves some casual reading.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overly political throughout; most obviously in the current era's coverage. Would prefer more emphasis on what was going on in the classroom, rather than politically. I can learn that in a regular history class.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book concurrently with Huck's Raft for a course and there was a lot of overlap but it was much more tedious to read.