Just as William J. Bennett's The Book of Virtues has helped millions of Americans teach young people about character, The Educated Child delivers what you need to take control. With co-authors Chester Finn and John Cribb, former Secretary of Education Bennett provides the indispensable guide.
The Educated Child champions a clear "back-to-basics" curriculum that will resonate with parents and teachers tired of fads and jargon. The Educated Child places parents squarely at the center of their young one's academic career and takes a no-nonsense view of their responsibilities. It empowers mothers and fathers, enabling them to reclaim what has been appropriated by "experts" and the education establishment. No longer will you feel powerless before the education "system."
Advocates of trendy approaches, touchy-feely esteem-enhancement schemes, and "values-free" education will disagree. Those who believe that today's low education standards are good enough, or that young Americans cannot be expected to learn as much as children in other lands, will take issue. But if you seek high standards and solid, time-tested content for the child you care most about, if you want the unvarnished truth about what parents and schools must do, The Educated Child is the one audiobook you need to ensure that your little girl or boy receives a truly good education.
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"I love, love, love, love this book. Written by the former Secretary of Education under Ronald Reagan, it is a clear and easy to use tool that will help you know, as a parent, what your child should be learning in each grade. It gives reading lists, tips, watch signs and ideas about how to supplement. While this book is great for home schoolers because it gives a great frame work for what curriculum should accomplish, he specifically says that it is written for the family sending their kids to formal schools. While he supports home school, he says that in this great nation we must have schools that offer our kids the very best. I am using his kindergarten readiness list and top 30 books pre-schoolers should meet list as a frame work for what to teach my son."
— Sara (5 out of 5 stars)
“A common sense-loaded gem that defines a good education and tells parents how to make sure their children get one.”
— Cincinnati Enquirer“An ambitious and commonsensical guide that will inspire both parents and educators.”
— Publishers Weekly“The authors offer ‘no magic bullets or profound secrets,’ just commonsense advice.”
— Booklist" I really enjoyed this book and especially the suggested booklists "
— Jenny, 1/22/2014" Out of the 600+ pages in this book there is a solid 300 worth reading. These 300 focus on the types of things a well educated child should learn during grades k-8. These pages give good insight into what should be learned, how to measure if a child is getting this information, and a good dose of practical examples of what kind of information is critical. The other 300 pages are a hit and miss as far as being of interest or help. The second half of this book is devoted to issues in schools and education. While this may be interesting for some I found it to be exceedingly dull. I will find myself referencing the material on what a well educated child should learn, but think I will not be looking much to the rest of the material in this book in the future. "
— Steve, 1/15/2014" This book is fabulous for first time homeschoolers, or anyone wondering what a great, broad, well rounded education looks like. "
— Rachel, 1/15/2014" My wife and I used this as a reference, especially during my oldest child's schooling, to verify that our school system was on track with curriculum. "
— towner77, 1/10/2014" A classic reference for parents. Young parents will read it. I havent picked it up in a year but like knowing it is on my book shelf. If you want to borrow it I will say yes, for a week only : ) "
— A., 1/6/2014" An incredible book for anyone interested in helping out their kids' education. Not a pessimistic view of the educational system, but rather, a good idea of how & with what you can supplement your child's education. "
— Charles, 10/30/2013" would be more believable if the author were not addicted to gambling and right wing politics "
— Larry, 10/24/2013" Even though it's extremely long, this is a very easy to read, quick book. A good reference to keep on the bookshelf and take a look at with each new school year. "
— Stephanie, 9/21/2013" Good overall information, but somewhat oversimplified, and lacking in any recognition that children learn best when they learn at their own pace. "
— Kelli, 9/1/2013" I am a sucker for anything related to our kid's education. This book gives very good direction on important concepts our kids should know and what books they should read. It does it in a grade by grade format. The author is Bill Bennett, former sec. of education and a brilliant man. "
— Jani, 8/25/2013" This book is an absolute must read for any parent with a child in school. Its one I would like to own and go back and reference. "
— Laura, 4/22/2013" This is among my stacks of books I use to add to what my children learn in school. Our public school is lacking greatly in educating our children. This book gives some idea on when and what children should learn. "
— Tish, 6/9/2012" I enjoyed this book about educating our children. Bill Bennett was the Secretary of Education under Ronald Reagan and he know's his stuff. "
— Angelyn, 3/12/2012" This book contains awesome reading lists for kids of different ages. "
— Heather, 11/7/2011" Abundant in education information and good resource for parents and teachers. "
— Sara, 9/21/2011" Pretty fantastic book so far. "
— Krystal, 8/3/2011" I love this book! I believe this book is a must have for parents of school age children. Wonderfully laid out and very informative. Hats off to the author for putting this little jewel together. "
— Kathrynn, 6/14/2011" Tells clearly what your child needs to be well educated. "
— Gaile, 7/30/2010" Bennett may be a slightly repugnant individual but he makes a good case for a classical education and has compiled an excellent series of benchmarks for parents. I highly recommend this book for homeschoolers especially. "
— Cindy, 3/13/2010" This is among my stacks of books I use to add to what my children learn in school. Our public school is lacking greatly in educating our children. This book gives some idea on when and what children should learn. "
— Tish, 5/9/2009" Great resource on education. Cogent and persuasive argument for no television--ever--except on non-school nights. <br/> <br/>(It'd be tough, but I could do it if the wife would support me.) "
— Steven, 5/1/2009" This book is fabulous for first time homeschoolers, or anyone wondering what a great, broad, well rounded education looks like. "
— Rachel, 3/18/2009" Good overall information, but somewhat oversimplified, and lacking in any recognition that children learn best when they learn at their own pace. "
— Kelli, 12/7/2008" An incredible book for anyone interested in helping out their kids' education. Not a pessimistic view of the educational system, but rather, a good idea of how & with what you can supplement your child's education. "
— Charles, 6/29/2008" would be more believable if the author were not addicted to gambling and right wing politics "
— Larry, 4/7/2008" I am a sucker for anything related to our kid's education. This book gives very good direction on important concepts our kids should know and what books they should read. It does it in a grade by grade format. The author is Bill Bennett, former sec. of education and a brilliant man. "
— Jani, 2/22/2008" I enjoyed this book about educating our children. Bill Bennett was the Secretary of Education under Ronald Reagan and he know's his stuff. "
— Angelyn, 1/29/2008William J. Bennett, bestselling author, educator, and speaker, is a conservative pundit, politician, and political theorist. He served as Secretary of Education from 1985 to 1988 under President Ronald Reagan. A former senior editor of the National Review, he writes for the National Review Online, National Review, and Commentary.
John T. E. Cribb is president of the Palmetto Creative Group, a communications firm. His previous work includes coauthoring The Educated Child (with William J. Bennett and Chester E. Finn), co-editing The Human Odyssey, and developing on-line history courses. During the Reagan administration, he served at the Department of Justice and the Department of Education. He and his wife Kirsten have two daughters, Molly and Sarah.