Debunking the Middle-Class Myth: Why Diverse Schools Are Good for All Kids

By Eileen Gale Kugler

Book Overview

Many parents search for a "good" school to enroll their children. They look at the school's standardized test scores and check out demographic statistics, but fail to investigate the strengths of these schools that have a vibrant mix of races and cultures. Eileen Gale Kugler offers a unique perspective on what every educator, parent, and community leader should know about reaping the rich harvest of our diverse schools. This book provides guidance on how we can all work together to dispel the myths and nurture the opportunities that these schools offer such as academic challenge and social advantages. Anecdotes from Kugler's personal experience are included as well as information from 80 interviews with key educators, parents, and students. This book stands alone as a resource that pulls all of this information together. Will be of interest to anyone who cares about education.
See Wendy Burt-Thomas's interview with author Eileen Kugler at http: //askwendy.wordpress.com/?s=kugler

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810845121
• ISBN13: 9780810845121
• Release Date: September 2002
• Publisher: R & L Education
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.6" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Thought provoking!

After hearing the author speak I couldn't wait to read her book. I read it in one weekend and there were so many great points I filled it with sticky notes for my principal and superintendent. What a great read. This book is relevant, well written and filled with interesting anecdotes which educators, parents and community members will certainly relate to with ease.

Optimistic, Practical & Informative

Eileen Kugler has written the most optimistic book I've ever read regarding multiculturalism in the schools. Cultural diversity in education doesn't merely refer to segregation, but to addressing the challenges of bridging academic and social gaps that prevent the school from becoming an interconnected community. Mrs. Kugler's book proves that, with hard work, dedicated parents, and an administration committed to finding out what its students need, diversity brings educational and personal benefits to its recipients beyond acceptance and tolerance. Mrs. Kugler includes specific examples and suggestions for creating a desirable multicultural environment.

A Must Read!

As an educator who has taught in "well-run diverse schools," I am grateful for Ms. Kugler's important book. Not only does she address, head-on, the myths that poison our thinking about today's diverse public schools but she also articulates the truths which ought inform our decisions about our childrens' schooling. Most importantly, she presents powerful models to those of us who would "reap the rich harvest of our diverse schools." Eileen Kugler has done a tremendous service to public education by writing this book.

Just say yes ... to public schools

For anyone interested in the whole debate about public schools vs private schools, this is the book to read. Kugler raises many of the issues/problems surrounding public schools, then thoughtfully and persuasively sheds the myths and makes the case for the rich diversity offered by public school settings. Yes, it's a factual book. But, just as importantly, it's an inspiring story that needs to be shared with parents, educators and policymakers alike. Read it, then help spread its important message: diverse schools are good for all kids, using all kinds of different measures. As a long-time fan of the public schools, I am re-armed and re-energized for the heated debates over this most sensitive topic after having read Debunking the Middle Class Myth.

A Wonderful read!

As an educator in a high school similar to the one described by Eileen Kugler, I find her assessment extremely astute and important. Our world is becoming more and more diverse. Children must learn to live and appreciate this new environment. I believe Ms. Kugler gives an honest, straightforward and wonderful picture of the benefits of a multi-ethnic education. Also, the book is a pleasure to read. It is well written and a good "story". Thank you Ms. Kugler.