Victory in Our Schools: We Can Give Our Children Excellent Public Education

Although he hand no formal training in education, the late John Stanford, a former U.S. Army major general, assumed command of a troubled Seattle public school system and resurrected it. In addition to his legacy of educational achievement, he has left this new book detailing his strategies for rescuing America's schools from the doldrums. Taking a bold, almost corporate approach to lifting test scores and reinforcing teacher accountability and community involvement, Stanford focuses on strengthening schools at the district level, by confronting such traditional obstacles to learning as the promotion of failing pupils, ineffective teachers and administrators; mandatory busing; and the lack of sufficient finances for schools in poor and minority areas. He harshly criticizes bureaucratic policies and traditional teaching methods. For Stanford, community faith that reform is possible is pivotal to any push to transform the schools that is based on measurable goals. His concept of developing strategies for each student based on a complete assessment of his or her educational strengths and weaknesses is an old one, but has rarely been rendered with such passion and commitment. Accountability rates high in the Stanford plan; the former soldier expects teachers and principals to lead by example, and schools to be run like finely tuned businesses, based on performance. Taking a controversial stand, he invites deeper involvement by local businesses and skilled graduates. Optimistic yet forceful, this sensible step-by-step guide deserves careful attention. (Aug.)