Literacy in America: Historical Journey & Modern Solutions - Explore Education Trends & Reading Strategies for Schools & Communities

The Gordons have written a highly interesting and easily readable history of the educational process in America from the 1600's to modern times. It is interesting to learn how the educational process worked in earlier times compared to our modern school system. The Gordons make frequent use of 'first hand' accounts by quoting from journals, newspapers and diaries. This aspect alone is facinating. It is also interesting to read how education was viewed differently in different areas of the country and how it was possible for to receive a good basic education if people,even slaves, were determined enough to seek it out. The Gordons show many examples of how crucial parental support is in the education process. Even today when schools provide the actual educational product, it is up to parents to insure that their children are receiving quality instruction. Unfortunately, as the book shows (p.289) over 58% of recent American high school graduates fail to meet an international literacy standard. This is the result of a general apathy which exists toward education in our country. This is troublesome when you realize that 66% of workers are employed in the service sector of our economy. The Gordons focus on these problems in the last chapter of their book. Our country is facing a literacy crisis. I believe this book should be mandatory reading for parents as well as educators.