Abstract
Ten years ago, in Kappan, the author published a detailed account of the old-fashioned and unengaging instruction used at his son Max’s Chicago elementary school. Now he updates readers with a reflection on Max’s high school years, describing a curriculum and teaching practices that desperately need an overhaul. Thanks to its competitive entrance requirements, Max’s high school attracts students with stellar test scores, which has given it a reputation as one of best public high schools in the country. But when the author looked carefully to see what actually goes on there, he found scant evidence that the school is preparing students to think critically, read deeply, participate in civic life, or meet the many challenges of the 21st century.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.