Misplaced Blame: Decades of Failing Schools, Their Children and Their Teachers examines the underlying causes of why schools fail. The book describes the challenges that teachers and their pupils encounter in an environment that is dictated by poverty and harsh, unfunded mandates. The volume illustrates that school failure reflects a lack of opportunities—nothing more. The book also discusses the changing role of teachers over the years and teacher-led efforts to improve their students’ circumstances.
Bonnie Johnson teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in curriculum and instruction and education specialties at St. John’s University in New York City. Dr. Johnson is the author of numerous books, book chapters, and journal articles that address the impact of poverty on learning.
Foreword by Daniel D. Von Hoff, M.D.PrefaceAcknowledgments Introduction1. Failing Schools2. The Realities of an Underfunded School: August, September3. Regulating Teaching: October4. Drugs, Poverty, and Test Scores: November, December5. Test Preparation, The Pace Quickens: January, February6. “The People in Washington Should See This School”: March, April7. The End of a School Year and Recommendations for Policy Change8. The Changing Roles of Teachers9. Some Costs of Poverty and Glimmers of HopeBibliographyIndexAbout the Author
Misplaced Blame is a must read for anyone concerned with the future of American schools and our nation’s children. With sensitivity and candor, the book examines how public health, standards and accountability, and educational policy contribute to the complexity of subpar student performance. This powerful book reminds us that our country’s success depends on our abilities to nurture and empower our children through education.