What School Should Be is snapshots of great education in practice. Ackerly, a writer who has spent over fifty years as a teacher, principal, parent and grandparent, shows children, teachers, parents and principals in action illustrating the elements of school culture necessary for delivering good education. Over and over, for or more than a century, "blue ribbon" task forces have been formed to improve America's public schools. All these efforts have failed -and in some cases made things even worse-because of a failure to understand children and mistaken notions about education. The delivery system for education is not curriculum, standards, textbooks, or the shape of the classroom. The delivery system for education is the culture of the school and the culture of American Schools hasn't changed much since Mark Twain said, "I never let my schooling interfere with my education." Ackerly's stories of teachers, students and principals at work show what good education looks like and lay out the elements of good educational cultures.
Rick Ackerly is a nationally recognized educator and speaker with 45 years of experience working in and for schools. With a Master's in Education from Harvard, he served as head of five schools and, today, speaks to parent and school groups across the country.
TABLE OF CONTENTS PrefaceIntroduction Don't Get Mad; Get Creative Thank You for Criticizing Arrogance is a Learning Disability In Education Failure IS an Option Measure What Matters The Culture We Create is Visible in Everything We Do. First Grade Teacher Designs a Learning Organization A Leadership Culture is Obvious to All Real Authority Brings out the Authority in Others Don't Teach Empathy. Teach Thoughtfulness A Culture with the Soul of Creativity Conflict Aversion is also a Learning Disability. Conflict is the Crucible of Character Conflict is Required for Creating Character Treat Kids As If Social Responsibility is a Natural Act To Get Results, Schools Must be in the Friendship Business Home Schooling is an Oxymoron The "Soft," "Non-cognitive Skills" are Hard, Cognitive and Learned in Community Social Deprivation Causes Cognitive Deprivation Perfectionism is Another Disability Staying out of Trouble is not a Worthy Mission The Need to Contribute is a Childish Impulse Building an Organization on the Need to Contribute Diversity: The Solution, Not the Problem Authority that Brings Out the Authority in Others Teacher Authority, Boundaries and the Business of School Authority, Imperfection and Behavior Problems True Authority Leaves Room for others to Exercise Their Authority Integrity: Bringing Your Whole Self to the Table In Times of Crisis the Nomenclature Must be Changed Appendix: Counter-Cultural Habits, Mores and Myths Essential Skills in Learning OrganizationsMores of Learning Communities New Myths for Educational Cultures
As a parent at one of Rick's schools, my children and I had the benefit of his wisdom and unique perspective on education and childrearing. For about a decade, I listened to Rick, awed by his ability to conceptualize abstract concepts of social, emotional, and academic theory, and distill them down to messages that resonated with preschoolers and grandparents alike. Through the pages of this book, that experience can belong to everyone. Every reader will be a better parent, a better teacher and a better person when they've finished this book. -- Tracy Kirkham, Attorney and Lifelong Trustee of Childrens Day School Ranging far and wide through fields and streams of wisdom, humor, philosophy, and psychology; drawing deeply from one man's lifetime spent understanding, adjusting, repairing, and relishing schools and children; and brilliantly combining the elements of his experience into arresting insight after insight, Rick Ackerly brings forth this magnificent summing-up, as profound and entertaining an autobiographical treasury as you'll ever find. -- Edward Hallowell, M.D, specializes in ADHD, author of Connect and 12 other titles. This book is a must-read, not only for educators and parents, but for anyone who interacts with others. Rick draws on his tremendous experience working with youth to give us a different perspective on what it means to be human. So often, we see situations from a lens that is limiting. The stories that Rick shares offer us the opportunity to broaden that view to become more empathetic and productive in all of our relationships. -- Donna Volpitta, Ed.D, Founder and Educational Director of Pathways to Empower With humor, kindness, and clarity, Rick Ackerly continues his lifelong advocacy for effective schools. In this entertaining, easily accessible book of educational philosophy, Rick uses his delightful storytelling to illustrate the attitude of respect and optimism essential to effectively educate children in the modern world. Having had the privilege of working with Rick off and on for 35 years, I can tell you the stories are true and the methods work. -- Susan Porter, Sixth Grade teacher and 40 year Veteran
