The Dismantling of Public Education and How to Stop it

Can quantitative measurement―a basic tenant of the business model―by itself be the only measure of success? Applied to education, does this model ignore the value of relationships? These questions form the core of today”s education debate. Dr. Johnson challenges us to look to the universal principles of modern science at work in all natural systems to restore our confidence in public education. The Dismantling of Public Education and How to Stop It is a courageous, provocative, well-researched book that frames and takes a stand on the debate whose outcome affects us all. — Arlene H. Parisot, Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, Montana University System

The title grabs attention in its suggestion of a disassembling of public education in the United States. Dr. Johnson expertly presents the case. However, she is most admirable in her discussion of means to correct or rebuild the structure of our educational system. I see the embedded theme as the power of the group (or in today”s vernacular) the learning community. Time, experience, and research have proven the value of multi-level, multi-directional team effort in the identification and resolution of difficult situations. Dr. Johnson has masterfully illuminated the process. — Gloria Heberley, Temple University

America is engaged in an historic experiment with our future ? applying the worst practices of American business management toward revitalizing American education. In effect, the high stakes testing movement has succeeded in transposing the stress, excessive competition, and distrust that characterizes the least innovative businesses into the mainstream of public schools, while overstressed parents largely look the other way. Elaine Johnson shows that an alternative foundation for innovation is available ? science”s emerging understanding of living systems, the same understanding that is guiding the most innovative business in the world. In short, must we meet the unprecedented demands for an education system for the 21st century by reverting to the management thinking of the 19th century?? — Peter Senge

America is engaged in an historic experiment with our future – applying the worst practices of American business management toward revitalizing American education. In effect, the high stakes testing movement has succeeded in transposing the stress, excessive competition, and distrust that characterizes the least innovative businesses into the mainstream of public schools, while overstressed parents largely look the other way. Elaine Johnson shows that an alternative foundation for innovation is available – science”s emerging understanding of living systems, the same understanding that is guiding the most innovative business in the world. In short, must we meet the unprecedented demands for an education system for the 21st century by reverting to the management thinking of the 19th century? — Peter Senge