Review of "Whatever It Takes: Geoffrey Canada's Quest to Change Harlem and America" on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
This book encapsulates the education reform movement in so many ways that it serves as an essential guide. Tough's chapter on poverty is so valuable in synthesizing the history, research, and political debate on poverty that even for that chapter alone, I would mark this book a must read. But the book goes much farther than that, crafted with sharp journalism, a balanced presentation of deeply complicated issues, and a sense of profound empathy and respect for Canada and for the mission of the Harlem Children's Zone.
Tough's presentation of the realities of what education reform for the most disadvantaged of communities looks like is something that anyone who is involved in education would benefit from reading. His obvious respect for Canada's mission and the work of the educators involved does not stand in the way of nuance, and there is plenty of fodder here for those who subscribe to …
This book encapsulates the education reform movement in so many ways that it serves as an essential guide. Tough's chapter on poverty is so valuable in synthesizing the history, research, and political debate on poverty that even for that chapter alone, I would mark this book a must read. But the book goes much farther than that, crafted with sharp journalism, a balanced presentation of deeply complicated issues, and a sense of profound empathy and respect for Canada and for the mission of the Harlem Children's Zone.
Tough's presentation of the realities of what education reform for the most disadvantaged of communities looks like is something that anyone who is involved in education would benefit from reading. His obvious respect for Canada's mission and the work of the educators involved does not stand in the way of nuance, and there is plenty of fodder here for those who subscribe to Terri Grey's vision of a long-term focus on emotionally supportive and positive environments, and those who subscribe to Canada's test-prep frenzied approach.
Whatever you do end up taking away from the book, however, ultimately what is obvious is that the work of education in the communities of the highest need is tough work, and Canada is to be commended for ruthlessly attending to evidence at every step of the way, but also for going with his gut and gunning for whole community change, not "quarantined" change, as he refers to KIPP's approach.