The Last Word: The Best Commentary and Controversy in American Education

"The last Word will provide administrators with much to think about and should lead to some interesting discussions as policy decisions are contemplated." (The School Administrator, 04/2008)

"The Last Word is a collection of thoughtful and though-provoking essays/editorials…" (Childhood Education, Sumer 2008)

"An Excellent summary of the debates in education from the 1980s to the present, recommended for public and academic libraries." (Library Journal)

"For the past 25 years, Education Week's "Commentary" section has served as a bellwether of education in America. The newspaper's editors have here gathered the best opinion pieces by some of the most important figures in American education and culture to create a retrospective of probably the most turbulent and critical period in the history of education. Contributors ranging from the late Fred Rogers to Bill Clinton to educator and academic literary critic E.D. Hirsch Jr. address a gamut of educational issues and provide a wide range of opinion and insight. The editorials are divided into broad areas: the art of teaching, equity and social justice, testing fairly, curriculum, democracy and virtue, change and reform, charters and school choice, and inspiring leadership. An excellent summary of the debates in education from the 1980s to the present; recommended for public and academic libraries."
—Mark Bay, University of the Cumberlands Library, Williamsburg, KY