Review of 'Prize' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
This book is an essential read if you are interested in public education and the constant, volatile churn of the politics involved. Russakoff provides a concise, sharp account of the political feeding frenzy that played out in Newark as Zuckerberg's money funneled in, and of how Newark can be viewed allegorically, as emblematic of the ed reform movement as a whole. While this can be read as a clear indictment of any top-down structural shift that does not engage with the community that is impacted, Russakoff's account also makes clear that there are complex layers of entrenched forces that have lead to failing institutions. If I had to sum up her message in a sentence, it might be that positive change is incredibly difficult, and that resources and funding will be most effective when channeled directly to those on the ground working everyday with students and families.
This book is an essential read if you are interested in public education and the constant, volatile churn of the politics involved. Russakoff provides a concise, sharp account of the political feeding frenzy that played out in Newark as Zuckerberg's money funneled in, and of how Newark can be viewed allegorically, as emblematic of the ed reform movement as a whole. While this can be read as a clear indictment of any top-down structural shift that does not engage with the community that is impacted, Russakoff's account also makes clear that there are complex layers of entrenched forces that have lead to failing institutions. If I had to sum up her message in a sentence, it might be that positive change is incredibly difficult, and that resources and funding will be most effective when channeled directly to those on the ground working everyday with students and families.
