This book argues that American schools are marked by fundamental structural deficiencies that get in the way of student achievement. The structural deficiencies are pervasive. They include the emphasis on grade level, building large schools and districts, and insistence on building comprehensive high schools. These structural deficiencies negatively impact achievement for all kids, but they are particularly detrimental to at-risk populations. In fact, at-risk populations are negatively impacted to such a disproportionate degree that to continue to maintain these structural deficiencies borders on racism at the worst or pure negligence at the least. After identifying the structural problems, the authors consider what the best schools in the U.S. and other countries do to promote excellence. Based on what works, the authors offer suggestions for fixing the broken structure and promoting educational excellence. The book ends with a self-diagnostic tool to help schools and districts identify their structural deficiencies and prioritize an action plan for eliminating those deficiencies.

This book argues that American schools are marked by fundamental structural deficiencies that get in the way of student achievement. The structural deficiencies are pervasive. They include the emphasis on grade level, building large schools and districts, and insistence on building comprehensive high schools. These structural deficiencies negatively impact achievement for all kids, but they are particularly detrimental to at-risk populations. In fact, at-risk populations are negatively impacted to such a disproportionate degree that to continue to maintain these structural deficiencies borders on racism at the worst or pure negligence at the least. After identifying the structural problems, the authors consider what the best schools in the U.S. and other countries do to promote excellence. Based on what works, the authors offer suggestions for fixing the broken structure and promoting educational excellence. The book ends with a self-diagnostic tool to help schools and districts identify their structural deficiencies and prioritize an action plan for eliminating those deficiencies.

This book argues for a complete reassessment of the ways schools are conceived, organized, operated and managed. Authors Trani and Irvine challenge traditional assumptions about grade levels, teachers, students and administrators in pursuit of higher student achievement and academic excellence. Building on the methods that turned an average school district into one widely recognized as one of the best in the nation, this book argues for fundamental, logical changes to the way Americans operate their public schools. Fallacies in Education is purposefully written to support community-based changes to schools that encourage superior achievement and educational results. This book provides a pathway for concerned parents, administrators, teachers and citizens to improve their schools with their current resources. The techniques used in Corbett to produce an academic renaissance can be used everywhere and this book provides a starting point for schools to strive for academic achievement and excellence in education. The book demonstrates how every school can better serve their students and deliver a better education without increasing costs or incurring new ones.