American Education in the 21st Century. . - book review - Brief Article

School Administrator, Feb, 2002 by Maria L. Goodloe

Reviewed by Maria L. Goodloe Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Special Programs, Corpus Christi, Texas, Independent School District

"Shame on you" would be an appropriate response to any superintendent or central-office administrator who is not already aware of ways to effectively prepare students to be successful in the 21st century. After all, this is 2002.

I must admit those were my initial thoughts as I read American Education in the 21st Century by Dan H. Wishnietsky. I believe adamantly that if you want to lead, you must read. If you fall into the category of having limited knowledge or expertise in this critical area, don't tell anyone, just read this book.

American Education in the 21st Century provides a quick study by content area that includes a historical perspective of changing curricular needs for students to be productive citizens in the 21st century. This philosophy challenges the traditional outdated curriculum and classes that continue to be offered in our public schools. Technology, student health, politics, globalism, diversity, economics and lifelong learning frame the context.

What the author shares is not new, only condensed and shared in general terms. A valuable feature of each chapter is the list of reference materials that support the philosophical and educational themes presented.

(American Education in the 21st Century by Dan H. Wishnietsky, Phi Delta Kappa Educational Foundation, 408 North Union St., P.O. Box 789, Bloomington, Ind. 47402, 2001, 153 pp., $22 softcover)