What School Should Be is snapshots of great education in practice. Ackerly, a writer who has spent over fifty years as a teacher, principal, parent and grandparent, shows children, teachers, parents and principals in action illustrating the elements of school culture necessary for delivering good education. Over and over, for or more than a century, “blue ribbon” task forces have been formed to improve America’s public schools. All these efforts have failed –and in some cases made things even worse—because of a failure to understand children and mistaken notions about education. The delivery system for education is not curriculum, standards, textbooks, or the shape of the classroom. The delivery system for education is the culture of the school and the culture of American Schools hasn’t changed much since Mark Twain said, “I never let my schooling interfere with my education.” Ackerly’s stories of teachers, students and principals at work show what good education looks like and lay out the elements of good educational cultures.

Table of Contents:
TABLE OF CONTENTS PrefaceIntroduction Don’t Get Mad; Get Creative Thank You for Criticizing Arrogance is a Learning Disability In Education Failure IS an Option Measure What Matters The Culture We Create is Visible in Everything We Do. First Grade Teacher Designs a Learning Organization A Leadership Culture is Obvious to All Real Authority Brings out the Authority in Others Don’t Teach Empathy. Teach Thoughtfulness A Culture with the Soul of Creativity Conflict Aversion is also a Learning Disability. Conflict is the Crucible of Character Conflict is Required for Creating Character Treat Kids As If Social Responsibility is a Natural Act To Get Results, Schools Must be in the Friendship Business Home Schooling is an Oxymoron The “Soft,” “Non-cognitive Skills” are Hard, Cognitive and Learned in Community Social Deprivation Causes Cognitive Deprivation Perfectionism is Another Disability Staying out of Trouble is not a Worthy Mission The Need to Contribute is a Childish Impulse Building an Organization on the Need to Contribute Diversity: The Solution, Not the Problem Authority that Brings Out the Authority in Others Teacher Authority, Boundaries and the Business of School Authority, Imperfection and Behavior Problems True Authority Leaves Room for others to Exercise Their Authority Integrity: Bringing Your Whole Self to the Table In Times of Crisis the Nomenclature Must be Changed Appendix: Counter-Cultural Habits, Mores and Myths Essential Skills in Learning OrganizationsMores of Learning Communities New Myths for Educational Cultures