Leave No Child Behind
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Preparing Today’s Youth for Tomorrow’s World
James P. Comer, M.D.; Foreword by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
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Format: PaperPrice: $39.00
The call-to-arms to “leave no child behind” in America has become popularly associated with the Bush administration’s education plan—a plan that actually diverges greatly from the ideals of the Children’s Defense Fund, which originated the concept. Here, in a bold and engaging new book, Dr. James Comer reclaims this now-famous exhortation as a tool for positive and substantive change.
Far removed from the federal government’s focus on standardized testing as the panacea for our educational ills, Dr. Comer’s argument—drawn from his own experiences as the creator of the School Development Program—urges teachers, policymakers, and parents alike to work toward creating a new kind of school environment.
In so doing, Dr. Comer reignites a crucial debate as he details the evolution and many successes of his School Development Program since its inception thirty-five years ago, and he illustrates how his model for change has proven effective in public schools throughout the country. Most important, he offers proof that students from all backgrounds can learn at a high level, adopt positive behavioral attitudes, and prepare for a fulfilling adult life, if they learn in schools that provide adequate support for their complete development--schools that know that leaving no child behind should be much more than just a convenient political slogan.
James P. Comer, M.D., is Maurice Falk Professor of Child Psychiatry at the Yale Child Study Center and associate dean at the Yale University School of Medicine. He is the author or editor of many books and articles, including more than 150 articles for Parents magazine. Dr. Comer has served as a consultant to the Children’s Television Workshop and the Public Committee on Mental Health and as a member of the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Carnegie Forum on Education and the Economy. He has been awarded numerous honors, including the prestigious Heinz Award in the Human Condition for his profound influence on disadvantaged children.
“The definitive account of a remarkable—and remarkably successful—long term program for educating all young persons. James Comer is one of the sanest and wisest educators of our time.”—Howard Gardner, author of Changing Minds and Intelligence Reframed
"There is no one who better understands both the powerful learning potential of children and young people and how we adults can help them step onto the path of achievement."—Marc Morial, National Urban League
"Leave No Child Behind: Preparing Today’s Youth for Tomorrow’s World is a key addition to the current debate over how our wealthy nation can create a school system that truly prepares every child to learn and succeed. Dr. Comer once again shares the lessons he has learned from his long experience discovering what really works to transform schools, students, teachers, parents, and communities. How different our schools and nation would be if every child were a ’Comer kid.’"—Marian Wright Edelman, President, Children’s Defense Fund
"A very interesting and valuable book that argues for educational and societal commitment to the nurturing of child development."—Marvin Berkowitz, Sanford N. McDonnell Professor of Character Education, University of Missouri-St. Louis
“An important and timely book, one with which parents and teachers will resonate deeply.”—Maurice Elias, Rutgers University and the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning
"This book is a brilliant discussion on how to provide African American and minority children with the quality public education that they deserve."—Reg Weaver
“’It often takes courage to protect the little ones,’ Dr Comer writes. Jim Comer and the thousands of participants in his School Development Program display such courage, and this persuasive book should help their numbers increase.”— Theodore R. Sizer
“This is a clear, passionate perspective on the need for real educational reform beyond empty slogans.”—Booklist
“Pioneering psychiatrist and educator James P. Comer, M.D., explains how we got off course in education and how we can change course.”—Ebony
“A thoughtful and well-argued book.”—Library Journal
“James P. Comer is a medical doctor, a child psychiatrist who has had enormous influence over public policy in education during the past 35 years. . . . His book presents a beautiful vision of schools that counsel students through their emotional traumas and help parents become worthy citizens.”—Andrew Wolf, New York Sun
“[Comer’s] deceptively simple strategy . . . joins theories about running schools with theories of child development, devising an approach that emphasizes not just the child’s mind but the whole child . . . [with] a better track record than any other prescription can claim.”—David L. Kirp, New York Times
“Comer . . . reiterates the wise assumption behind his decades of educational work: that ‘development and learning are inextricably linked.’. . . Amid the loud chorus of cries against standardized testing, Comer offers a clear and confident voice of change.”—Publishers Weekly
“[Comer’s book is] a testament to his humane vision for America’s public schoolchildren.”—Stephanie Wilkinson, Washington Post Book World
"Dr. James Comer is one of the great pioneers in the history of modern American education. Several decades ago, he courageously tackled some of the worst inner-city schools in which disadvantaged minorities were losing their chance to fulfill the American dream. He created School Development program that has spread to hundreds of schools in many states. Research shows the value of this remarkable program. Comer has put the people back into education. He has strengthened the social/interpersonal components of education together with the cognitive. He draws on research of child development as well as education, involves families and communities constructively in the educational enterprise, and brings hope for a better future where despair has prevailed before. This book is a fascinating, clear, cogent account of a great educational advance."—Dr. David A. Hamburg, Professor Emeritus, Carnegie Corporation of New York
Publication Date: September 1, 2005
