Summary

"The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education" by Diane Ravitch is a critical examination of the dominant trends in American education reform over the past few decades. Ravitch, a former advocate for many of these reforms, including standardized testing, accountability measures, and school choice, now expresses profound skepticism and lays out how these policies have inadvertently undermined the core values of public education. She recounts her intellectual journey, detailing her initial hopes for these reforms and her subsequent disillusionment as she observed their real-world impact.

The book meticulously dissects the standards movement and how it was hijacked by the testing movement, leading to a narrow focus on measurable outcomes at the expense of a well-rounded curriculum. Ravitch revisits the story of Community School District 2 in New York City, once hailed as a model for urban school reform, revealing how demographic changes and gentrification played a significant role in its apparent success. She also presents a detailed account of the reform efforts in San Diego under Alan Bersin, illustrating the pitfalls of a top-down, business-oriented approach that alienated teachers and failed to produce substantial academic gains.

Ravitch scrutinizes the market-based reforms implemented in New York City under Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Chancellor Joel Klein, questioning the effectiveness of mayoral control, high-stakes testing, and school choice. She challenges the prevailing narrative of success, pointing out the limitations of test-based accountability and the erosion of democratic principles in the absence of public oversight. Further, she argues that No Child Left Behind (NCLB), with its emphasis on standardized testing and unrealistic proficiency targets, has led to a narrowing of the curriculum and a culture of fear and compliance in schools. She advocates for a renewed focus on curriculum development, teacher quality, and a broader vision of education that encompasses the liberal arts and sciences.

In essence, Ravitch calls for a restoration of public education as a public good, emphasizing the importance of local control, community involvement, and a commitment to equity and excellence for all students. She urges a shift away from test-based accountability and market-driven reforms, advocating for policies that support teachers, promote a well-rounded curriculum, and foster a love of learning. The book is a powerful critique of the prevailing orthodoxy in education reform, offering a compelling vision for a more democratic and holistic approach to schooling.