The Hidden Dangers in our schools have grown and intensified over the last few years; so much so that I was compelled to write a second edition to Hidden Dangers: Subtle Signs of Failing Schools. Our schools are complex places; each with its own unique climate, administration, faculty, students, parents and community members. Clearly, schools do not work in a vacuum; each is affected by the much larger society, government and economy. In this new edition we will be introduced to the interplay of these facets and how they can help and in some cases hinder our schools, our teachers, and our students from thriving. We also learn why it is more complicated now than ever, and the stakes are even higher than when Hidden Dangers was originally published back in 2008

We are in a state of tremendous global unrest with wars, acts of terrorism, genocide, epidemics and untold natural disasters. In some cases students are at risk as a result of safety concerns within their schools, from extremist views that discriminate against obtaining education, from societal issues that increase anxiety and depression, and even in specific cases from corruption in government that prevent students from having access to schooling. It is through globally engaged education that we can learn of one another, attain academic excellence, improve international relationships, triumph over atrocities, and discover new potentials. A synergistic globally engaged education will allow for the working together collaboratively, cooperatively and innovatively, while still respecting diversity and humane ideologies. Through cutting edge interdisciplinary research from psychology, neuroscience, education, leaps in the technological areas, and listening closely to the global voices we can indeed ascertain understanding, peace and sustainability.

This second edition to Hidden Dangers to Kid's Learning: Parent Guide to Cope with Educational Roadblocks gives more insight into ways parents can understand and help their academically struggling child. Parents and their children can be empowered to recognize the perils and the pitfalls of our current educational crisis and take responsibility and control of their education before it is too late. We have new reasons to believe in our children and new possibilities to expect and help our children to be able to cope in our global community.

Many of our children are poorly prepared to face the challenges of school and growing up in our complex society. The term readiness is misrepresented in the field of education; this book implies a different type of readiness involving a process that can be taught and nurtured within each child. Going beyond what our schools typically assess to determine readiness to attend school, which is often based upon age, this book addresses the synergistic aspects of readiness, learning, and adaptation that allow children to be optimally ready to learning and capable of handing for challenges and transitions. This more holistic and interactive understanding of readiness involves not only the typical physical development, but also psychological aspects including the cognitive, emotional, spiritual, behavioral, and environmental pieces. The goal of this book is to provide the necessary lens through which we can see what is really hindering many children in schools today, along with possible approaches and interventions typically not seen as educational in nature, but what may be just the needed prescription for our ailing youth.

Many of our children are poorly prepared to face the challenges of school and growing up in our complex society. The term readiness is misrepresented in the field of education; this book implies a different type of readiness involving a process that can be taught and nurtured within each child. Going beyond what our schools typically assess to determine readiness to attend school, which is often based upon age, this book addresses the synergistic aspects of readiness, learning, and adaptation that allow children to be optimally ready to learning and capable of handing for challenges and transitions. This more holistic and interactive understanding of readiness involves not only the typical physical development, but also psychological aspects including the cognitive, emotional, spiritual, behavioral, and environmental pieces. The goal of this book is to provide the necessary lens through which we can see what is really hindering many children in schools today, along with possible approaches and interventions typically not seen as educational in nature, but what may be just the needed prescription for our ailing youth.

All children should feel safe and secure in their schools and communities. In today's society, children are dealing with the threat of violence in their schools and online, food insecurity, environmental risks, terrorism, and many other concerns that make them feel less safe. Our jobs as teachers and parents is to manage that risk by being prepared and protecting our children. In this book, Betsy Gunzelmann discusses the ways we can plan ahead and prepare for these threats in order to help our children feel safer and be able to focus on their school and lives.

All children should feel safe and secure in their schools and communities. In today's society, children are dealing with the threat of violence in their schools and online, food insecurity, environmental risks, terrorism, and many other concerns that make them feel less safe. Our jobs as teachers and parents is to manage that risk by being prepared and protecting our children. In this book, Betsy Gunzelmann discusses the ways we can plan ahead and prepare for these threats in order to help our children feel safer and be able to focus on their school and lives.

We are in a state of tremendous global unrest with wars, acts of terrorism, genocide, epidemics and untold natural disasters. In some cases students are at risk as a result of safety concerns within their schools, from extremist views that discriminate against obtaining education, from societal issues that increase anxiety and depression, and even in specific cases from corruption in government that prevent students from having access to schooling. It is through globally engaged education that we can learn of one another, attain academic excellence, improve international relationships, triumph over atrocities, and discover new potentials. A synergistic globally engaged education will allow for the working together collaboratively, cooperatively and innovatively, while still respecting diversity and humane ideologies. Through cutting edge interdisciplinary research from psychology, neuroscience, education, leaps in the technological areas, and listening closely to the global voices we can indeed ascertain understanding, peace and sustainability.

Barriers to Excellence: The Changes Needed for Our Schools brings a new and different viewpoint to our educational problems in the United States. The reasons behind the academic decline we have seen over the last several decades, the continued inequity in our schools, and the frustration with inconsistent and inadequate policies, procedures and support will be addressed in this eye-opening book. Barriers to Excellence discuses the obstacles we face to regain our academic distinction. We need to look at the bigger picture when it comes to attaining educational excellence in the United States.

The Hidden Dangers in our schools have grown and intensified over the last few years; so much so that I was compelled to write a second edition to Hidden Dangers: Subtle Signs of Failing Schools. Our schools are complex places; each with its own unique climate, administration, faculty, students, parents and community members. Clearly, schools do not work in a vacuum; each is affected by the much larger society, government and economy. In this new edition we will be introduced to the interplay of these facets and how they can help and in some cases hinder our schools, our teachers, and our students from thriving. We also learn why it is more complicated now than ever, and the stakes are even higher than when Hidden Dangers was originally published back in 2008.

This book marks a new beginning, providing a way for parents to understand and help their academically struggling children. Both parents and children should be empowered to recognize the perils and pitfalls of the current educational crisis and take responsibility for and control of education before it is too late. Parents have new reasons to believe in their children and new ways to help their children be able to cope in the global community. Gunzelmann explains that because schools and classrooms vary greatly, uniform policies and standards are hidden dangers that may interfere with optimal learning. One school may produce excited students who excel, while other schools with the same policies in that district experience student failure and increased dropout rates. The solution she offers lies in understanding children's basic needs, their learning styles, and the need to foster/teach resilience, optimism, and flexibility.

Many of our schools are failing our children. Frequently, 'normal' children are experiencing difficulties coping and learning in their traditional school setting. The author of Hidden Dangers identifies the roadblocks that contribute to failing schools. These subtle school issues appear to unintentionally reinforce an increase in school related violence, diagnosis of learning disabilities, ADHD, depression, and other behavioral and emotional problems, and meager attainment of basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. By developing a strong foundation of the needs for a healthy school climate and challenging and changing faulty assumptions, attitudes, beliefs, policies, and practices that guide failing schools, the author deftly offers a solution for changing failing schools into thriving schools. This book is the culmination of years of solid teaching, testing, and counseling experience combined with a well-researched perspective. It is helpful for all educators, psychologists, parents, coaches, and all those working with children; even for the children who are struggling in failing schools. Hidden Dangers: Subtle Signs of Failing Schools guides us toward developing balanced schools where children learn and like to be, and where professionals can take pride in doing their best work and ultimately have a very positive impact on our society as whole.