Yes,

I agree that Dr. Haberman touches on issues and elements of instructing the urban child, however, his conclusions are generic and lack vision and forward thinking. Because we live in a technological society, we need to consistently move forward and not fall prey to he standard that continues to plague public education, planning without a plan.

It is time to move beyond the cute catch phrases and cliches and understand the nature of the current middle/junior high school student. Today's m/jh student is primarily a visual creature educated by entertainment and bombarded with images they have not yet begun to understand.

The public education system is poorly equipped to properly service today's student. Case in point: Computers in the classroom...schools across America have been wired for ethernet capabilities and schools have failed to bring in professionals to educate the students in the use of said technology. Instead, the students, if not sitting for an hour in keyboarding activities, are busy surfing the internet. Why not take a few thousand dollars and bring in an instructor to teach the students how to build their own computers, thus educating the students on several fronts, incorporating mathematics, science, technology and manufacturing issues. Corporations, businesses and government have long since moved away from the singleskilled employee and are looking for multi-faceted, talented individuals that are fiscally mature and business oriented, it's the way of the world.

Unfortunately, we continue to teach our students as if they have mastered the basics by constantly raising standards before they understand the basics. This trend has been a contirbuting factor in the ever-dropping SAT scores and rising drop-out rates across America.

Dr. Haberman clearly did not see the trends that corporate America set and did not encourage a blending of the outside world to the classroom. An internet connection, cable in the classroom and higher standards does NOT a successful student make. Basics first, learn the technology before using it, and employing individuals who can impart the information to the urban child are the real keys to success.

Overall, the book was entertaining, but missed the mark.

One of the other reviews says that Haberman has mised the mark, I think the other review has mised the mark. Haberman's book really comes down to one thing relationships. Teaching really comes down to one thing, relationships. Teaching is not about "technology". Haberman's book is a great read for anyone in or out of the classroom.

Having taught and mentored in inner city Minneapolis for over 30 years, I would recommend this book to anyone who works in an urban school district. Mr. Haberman clearly did see the trends that corporate America has set.Clearly this man has "been there!"