Democratic Schools ─ Lessons in Powerful Education

Nine education professionals from Wisconsin, Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts contribute seven chapters examining how educators can make a lasting difference by combining authentic, important lessons and a consistent, building- or system-wide focus on a critical and democratic education. All the essays from the first edition appear in their entirety, updated and expanded by their original authors as they consider events and policies that have diminished democracy over the decade since the first edition of the book was published. No subject index. Annotation c2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

A former classroom teacher, James A. Beane currently divides his time between his position as a professor at National-Louis University and as a school reform coach at Sherman Middle School in Madison, Wisconsin. He is the author of Curriculum Integration (1997), A Middle School Curriculum (1993), and Affect in the Curriculum (1990). He is also coauthor of Democratic Schools (1995), The Middle School and Beyond (1992), When the Kids Come First (1987), Self-Concept, Self-Esteem COMMA and the Curriculum (1986), and Curriculum Planning and Development (1986). Additionally, he was co-editor ONE WORD of Democratic Schools; and edited the 1995 ASCD Yearbook Toward A Coherent Curriculum. Beane has spoken at numerous conferences, has consulted for international educational projects, and served in leadership capacities for several education professional associations.