Book Review – Results Now by Mike Schmoker
Author Mike Schmoker followed up with his other two “Results” books with the best and most motivating yet.
This book pleads with educators and administrators to assist in the immediate transformation of America’s schools. He describes in detail the “buffers” that American schools have created that have led to the illusion that a high percentage of American schools are actually effective (which, he points out in detail, they are not). This “buffer” that Schmoker describes has led to teacher isolation, a lack of quality instruction, and the reality that administrators have virtually no influence when trying to affect the quality of instruction. Here is a sampling of some of the amazing statistics Schmoker presents (page 18):
o “Classrooms in which a clear learning objective was evidenced: 4 percent”
o “Classrooms in which there was evidence of higher order thinking: 3 percent”
o “Classrooms in which non-educational activities were being carried out” 35 percent”
(Note: For details on this research-based study, visit his book)
One of the most motivating features of this book is that the author reminds educators how much they already know about effective teaching practices, especially as a collaborative group. Educators are often obsessed with new programs, more materials, more workshops, and the need for more money. This quote is an example of this idea: “We have relied too much, with miserable results, on a failed model to improve educational practice: training, in the form of workshops or staff development.”
Chapter 8 of this book, titled “Professional Learning Communities,” is a proactive approach to reforming schools and demonstrates Schmoker’s true value to educators.
As for the administrators, do not feel left out because Schmoker is fully aware of its limitations, limits and lack of support. Once again, with proactivity in mind, Schmoker suggests several solutions that will change educational leadership and its effect on the quality of instruction.
This is one of the few books that does not try to present the problems with a politically correct point of view. His writing style is forceful but lacks negativity. In fact, this book has the effect of challenging educators to make some simple and highly effective changes TOMORROW that can produce immediate results.
This final quote from Results Now demonstrates why I am giving this book 5 stars (on a 5 point scale) for educators and educational leaders and, as I assumed, it is a MUST READ.
(From CONCLUSION on page 163, “WHY NOT US, WHY NOT NOW?”): “With so much at stake, is there any decent reason to postpone what might be the best time in education?”
Note from me: This book is shocking when you first read it primarily because of the statistics it shares and what was found inside our American classrooms, but these shocking revelations are what really should cause all educators, leaders, and parents to take notice as well. seriously Changes in the American school system.