Overview

The Importance of Average calls attention to the policies and practices that discriminate against the silent majority of students in the American educational system. Arguments presented emphasize the collateral damage caused to average students by legislative mandates, administrative policies, teaching practices, parenting beliefs, and adherence to strict psychological constructs. Each of these factors has created a pervasive psycho-educational belief of average ability. The authors challenge what they consider as a pseudo-definition of 'average' that was brought about as an attempt by policymakers to test their way out of addressing the true inequities found in society. Further, the authors identify how educational policymakers have sacrificed the education of an entire class of students by creating the illusion that underachievement can be eliminated simply through lowering standards and examination pass rates. In chronicling the plight of average students, the authors capture the emotions and attitudes of teachers, parents, and students whose frustrations have been set aside in order to meet other special interests. The authors explore methods that provide students of average knowledge in any given area with the appropriate tools necessary for succeeding in school. Finally, the authors argue that there is no such thing as 'average' intelligence.

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9780742570122

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Reviews

Are schools established to create mediocrity? Are we preparing students to become empowered citizens? Do students find meaning in what they are asked to do? Are average students at risk? This provocative book tackles these critical questions and raises others. It reminds us that, whether intended or not, an entire group of students is being ignored and it highlights the collateral damages caused to average students through legislation, school policies, teacher practices and parenting beliefs. Through cogent discussions of intelligence, motivation, and success in schools, the authors rouse readers to consider a new conception of intelligence and act on behalf of children considered average by our schools.--Julie Rainer Dangel, Ph.D.

The Importance of Average is a counter-intuitive and compelling analysis of the unintended consequences, for the vast majority of America's public school students, of such attempts at reform as No Child Left Behind. What Farenga, Ness, Johnson, and Johnson have accomplished with this eye-opening account is of considerable importance and anything but average.--James H. Borland, Ph.D.

Author Information

Stephen J. Farenga is professor of human development and learning at Dowling College. Daniel Ness is associate professor of human development and learning at Dowling College. Dale D. Johnson is professor of literacy education at Dowling College. Bonnie Johnson is professor of human development and learning at Dowling College.

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