Oakland, CA—The Independent Institute’s Center on Educational Excellence has compiled two essential annotated bibliographies to help families and students to prepare themselves for the shortcomings in the primary and higher education systems. The bibliographies are the project of Independent Institute Senior Fellow Williamson M. Evers.
“Readers conversant with this literature will be far better prepared to contribute to public dialogue on K-12 education than those familiar only with the latest school board report, task-force recommendations, or education policy op-ed,” says Evers, who directs the Independent Institute’s Center on Educational Excellence.
“Much time and effort are spent on our own—or our children’s—education, yet too little time educating ourselves about education, its history, and its varieties,” Evers adds. “This neglect can impair education reform by limiting the options under discussion and preventing us from addressing the most important question of all: How might we overhaul the school system—including the underlying governing framework of education—so that schools better serve students’ and families’ diverse needs?”
The K-12 bibliography offers foundational background as well as recommendations addressing more immediate concerns. The bibliography is divided into two subsections, “Policy Analysis and Reform” and “Subject Matter and Teaching Methods.” The policy portion emphasizes the “big picture” and parental-choice alternatives to conventional public schools. The portion on subject matter and instruction covers effective teaching as well as many counterproductive fads.
American colleges and universities have been facing major challenges for years. In the higher education bibliography, readers will understand just how much past education reforms have disappointed students. The higher education bibliography includes readings on subjects such as the incentives and constraints of higher education; racial disparities, racism, and affirmative action; free-speech restrictions; adjudicating sexual-assault cases on campus; the decline of traditional liberal arts education; and more.
The bibliographies will serve as a springboard for fruitful discussion. The author will be updating the bibliographies and encourages readers to send suggestions for adding to the list.
To interview Williamson Evers, please contact Robert Ade, [email protected], or call (510) 632-1366 ext. 114.
CREDENTIALS: Williamson M. Evers is a Senior Fellow, Director of the Center on Educational Excellence, and Assistant Editor for The Independent Review: A Journal of Political Economy at the Independent Institute. Dr. Evers was the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development from 2007 to 2009; Senior Adviser to U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings during 2007.
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The Independent Institute is a non-profit research and educational organization that promotes the power of independent thinking to boldly advance peaceful, prosperous, and free societies grounded in a commitment to human worth and dignity. For more information, visit Independent.org.
