I picked this book up at a university down in California over the summer. It is not new by any means, and it is missing the cover. In fact, it was published in the 1960s, and the book was destined for the garbage bin before I decided to snag it from the table. What is interesting about this book, is the discussion of both state and federal educational policies, as it pertains to k-12 and higher education; both public and private, in the early 1960s.The same issues facing our modern educational system, astonishingly mirrors those of the past. Elementary education being called too "soft," and accused of using the "wrong methods" of teaching reading; secondary education under attack for inadequate preparation of those entering higher education. And, the failure of public k-12 institutions to properly prepare students for the rigors of university academic writing. Not to mention, the failure of public universities in preparing educators for the teaching profession. Sound familiar?
What is also interesting is that James Conant describes and recommends a judicious plan for a national policy governing public education. While his recommendations hold merit, did it ever come to fruition? Furthermore, ask around, and you'll likely learn that our educational system is broken. According to Mr. Conant, it was already broken in the 1960s.
Dr. James Bryant Conant is a respected scholar, statesman, and author. He is a former president of Harvard University, and has written more than a dozen books.
