Lessons Unlearned

How Schools Work

“This book merits every American’s serious consideration” (Vice President Joe Biden): from the Secretary of Education under President Obama, an exposé of the status quo that helps maintain a broken system at the expense of our kids’ education, and threatens our nation’s future. “Education runs on lies. That’s probably not what you’d expect from a former Secretary of Education, but it’s the truth.” So opens Arne Duncan’s How Schools Work, although the title could just as easily be How American Schools Work for Some, Not for Others, and Only Now and Then for Kids. Drawing on nearly three decades in education—from his mother’s after-school program on Chicago’s South Side to his tenure as Secretary of Education in Washington, DC—How Schools Work follows Arne (as he insists you call him) as he takes on challenges at every turn: gangbangers in Chicago housing projects, parents who call him racist, teachers who insist they can’t help poor kids, unions that refuse to modernize, Tea Partiers who call him an autocrat, affluent white progressive moms who hate yearly tests, and even the NRA, which once labeled Arne the “most extreme anti-gun member of President Obama’s Cabinet.” Going to a child’s funeral every couple of weeks, as he did when he worked in Chicago, will do that to a person. How Schools Work exposes the lies that have caused American kids to fall behind their international peers, from early childhood all the way to college graduation rates. But it also identifies what really does make a school work. “As insightful as it is inspiring” (Washington Book Review), How Schools Work will embolden parents, teachers, voters, and even students to demand more of our public schools. If America is going to be great, then we can accept nothing less.

Surviving the Unthinkable

In a world teetering on the brink of nuclear annihilation, Surviving the Unthinkable confronts the chilling reality of nuclear weapons and their potential to obliterate humanity. This comprehensive exploration delves into the historical context of nuclear armament, tracing the origins of the atomic bomb and the subsequent Cold War standoff. It analyzes the near-misses and close calls that brought the world to the precipice of nuclear catastrophe, highlighting the fragility of the peace we have managed to maintain. The book exposes the shortcomings of diplomacy and international cooperation in addressing the nuclear threat, scrutinizing the failures of arms control treaties and initiatives. It emphasizes the lessons learned from these past failures, underscoring the urgent need for renewed efforts to prevent nuclear conflict. Surviving the Unthinkable explores the destructive capabilities of modern nuclear weapons, unveiling the mechanisms of nuclear delivery and examining the intricate command and control systems that govern their launch. It evaluates the effectiveness of early warning systems, highlighting their vital role in preventing accidental or unauthorized nuclear strikes. The book paints a vivid picture of the immediate devastation and long-term fallout that would ensue from a nuclear exchange. It reveals the catastrophic effects on human populations, ecosystems, and the global climate, underscoring the potential for widespread destruction and societal collapse. Beyond the immediate consequences, Surviving the Unthinkable examines the psychological and societal impacts of living under the shadow of nuclear annihilation. It explores the psychological toll of nuclear anxiety, the erosion of trust, and the challenges of maintaining international cooperation in a world where the threat of nuclear war is ever-present. This book is a stark reminder of the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons and a clarion call for action. It urges readers to confront the uncomfortable truths about nuclear weapons and to demand that world leaders take decisive steps towards nuclear disarmament and peace. If you like this book, write a review!

Lessons in Psychology