The School in the United States: A Documentary History
Discover the vibrant tapestry of American education through a curated collection of essential documents spanning from colonial times to contemporary reforms. This thoughtfully assembled resource brings together firsthand accounts, influential textbook excerpts, and powerful presidential speeches, offering a diverse outlook on the nation's educational journey. Expert historian James Fraser meticulously selects works from renowned figures like Thomas Jefferson and W. E. B. DuBois, alongside the voices of everyday classroom teachers, weaving a narrative that highlights the ongoing debates and decisions shaping schooling in the U.S. Each chapter opens wiht an engaging introduction to pique curiosity, while a detailed bibliography provides smooth pathways for further exploration. The fourth edition even offers a topic-based structure, making it a versatile companion for students and scholars alike.
With updates that enhance accessibility and relevance, this collection now includes newer documents focusing on teacher voices and the impact of technology, alongside revised chapters addressing critical issues like school shootings, charter school debates, and teacher strikes. Certain older documents have been streamlined to emphasize key ideas, ensuring students grasp the core messages efficiently. Whether used as a standalone text or supplementary reading, the resource strikes a delicate balance between comprehensiveness and selectivity, inviting readers to form their own judgments as they engage with major ancient debates. Its shorter length in the fourth edition also makes it more manageable without sacrificing depth.
Pros and Cons
pros:
Curated selection of diverse historical documents
Expertly chosen by education scholar James Fraser
Includes voices of both prominent figures and ordinary teachers
Organized by era with introductory chapters
Offers topic-based choice structure in fourth edition
Updated with new documents on technology and contemporary issues
Improved for readability with shortened older documents
Cons:
May require additional research for deeper understanding
Length reduction in fourth edition could feel truncated to some
Topic-based structure may suit some users better than others
Edition | Publication Date | Pages | Weight |
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Fourth Edition | March 29,2019 | 394 | 8.4 ounces |
Leadership in america's Best Urban schools
this insightful guide offers a clear, evidence-based exploration of the leadership qualities that drive success in America's urban schools. It delves into the unique challenges faced by elementary, middle, and high schools, such as those serving low-income, English-language learner, and diverse racial and ethnic student populations, while also highlighting the actionable catalysts for improvement. With a focus on real-world application, the resource provides practical tools for educators and administrators to elevate achievement, fostering excellence and equity at all levels of urban school leadership.
Written by experienced practitioners and researchers, this compact paperback distills crucial insights on effective leadership characteristics found in high-performing urban schools. Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned administrator,the book equips readers with the knowledge to nurture supportive environments,influence positive change,and sustain long-term success. Its accessible format and actionable strategies make it a valuable addition to any leader's toolkit, empowering them to create meaningful impact.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Grounded in robust research and real-world examples
provides actionable tools for improving urban school performance
Addresses the specific needs of diverse student populations
Offers practical guidance for leaders at all levels
Compact, easy-to-digest format
Cons
Focuses solely on urban school contexts
May require supplementary resources for some administrators
Specific case studies may not be replicable in all settings
Key Features | Data |
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Publisher | Routledge |
Edition | 1st (February 21, 2017) |
Format | Paperback, 170 pages |
Weight | 12 ounces |
Dimensions | 7 x 0.39 x 10 inches |
The best 390 Colleges, 2025: In-Depth Profiles & ranking Lists to Help Find the Right College For You (2025) (College Admissions Guides)
Discover the ideal college match with this authoritative guide, featured on the TODAY Show! Trusted for over three decades, it leverages insights from over 160,000 students to deliver unparalleled depth on 390 institutions. Navigate with confidence through detailed profiles on academics, campus culture, and financial aid, all shaped by firsthand experiences. Engage with rankings tailored to your interests and personalized rating scores that reflect real student perceptions, ensuring you find a school that aligns perfectly with your goals.
Prepare holistically with exclusive access to 2 full-length practice tests online—1 for SAT and 1 for ACT—integrating exam prep into your college search journey. From competitive admissions insights to average indebtedness data,this resource equips you with the practical tools needed to make informed decisions. Whether you're targeting elite programs or niche specialties, this guide transforms research into a clear, actionable path toward your best-fit college.
Key Advantages
- Complete student insights—390 in-depth profiles rooted in candid feedback.
- Personalized rankings—Top 25 lists across 50 categories tailored to individual preferences.
- Admissions insider information—Detailed profiles on selectivity, deadlines, and financials.
- Integrated exam prep
Considerations
- Static data—Information is updated annually, may not reflect real-time changes.
- Heavy reliance on surveys—Subject to biases inherent in self-reported student experiences.
- Page-intensive—896-page paperback may be cumbersome for on-the-go use.
Feature | Data |
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Pages | 896 |
Profiles | 390 schools |
Student surveys | 160,000+ responses |
Practice Tests | 2 (SAT & ACT) |
The United states of Epic fails: 52 Crazy Stories And Blunders through History That You Didn't Get Taught In School
Ever wonder about the moments in American history that don’t make it into the textbooks? The United States of Epic Fails explores the biggest blunders, most embarrassing failures, and incredibly bad decisions that shaped the nation in unexpected ways. from a film that nearly bankrupted a studio to a famous NFL player’s costly mistake,this book delves into the awkward,the absurd,and the downright disastrous in American politics,science,sports,and pop culture. It’s a fascinating look at the human side of history—how even the brightest minds and biggest institutions can stumble spectacularly, offering a refreshingly unfiltered perspective on the stories you didn’t learn in school.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just love a good train wreck, this collection of 52 crazy stories and blunders is packed with plenty of anecdotes to keep you hooked.You’ll uncover how Coca-Cola made one of its most infamous missteps, why a popular lawn game was once outlawed, and how figures like George Washington had their share of major failures early in their careers. The book is perfect for sparking conversations at your next gathering, offering a humorous yet insightful take on some of America’s most memorable “oh dear” moments. It’s a reminder that even the greatest nations have their share of epic fails, and that’s all part of the story.
Pros & Cons
Engaging Stories: Real historical blunders that are both entertaining and educational.
Unique Perspective: Offers a fresh, unfiltered look at American history beyond the standard narratives.
Diverse Content: Covers politics, science, sports, and pop culture with relatable anecdotes.
Length: May not satisfy those seeking in-depth analysis of specific events.
Focus: Primarily focused on failures, with limited coverage of successes.
Depth: More lightweight in tone than academic but less detailed than a true history tome.
Details | Data |
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Author | Unknown |
6 x 0.39 x 9 inches | |
Weight | 8.5 ounces |
Pages | 172 |
Publication Date | March 2, 2022 |
Experience Innovation

The United States of Epic Fails: 52 Crazy Stories And Blunders Through History That You Didn't get Taught In School
discover America's most embarrassing moments from politics, science, sports, and pop culture.