Very impressive expose of ed programs. She shows quite clearly what goes on behind the ivy walls and the results are sophomoric rather than inspiring. Important book now that we are geering up for universal testing - because these are the people who prepare our kids. I was also struck with how rarely I have come across a description of ed programs in the popular press.

Other books tell about the bizarre premises, concepts and methodsin schools today. But where on earth do these ideas come from?And why do administrators and teachers believe this stuff? The short answer is: ed schools. Rather than being a model of scholarship,today's ed schools waste away time with endless prattle about theoriesand philosophies. Rita Kramer toured the country, spending a good deal of time at each of a numberof ed schools. She visited prestigious eastern schools, mainstream schools,and everything in between. Kramer reports on everything she saw: vapid looksof the students, meaningless classroom activities, faculty members who loathethe very same goals that most people expect from schools, and grades, assessmentsand final degress devoid of any substantive value. This book tells a vital part of the story in understanding what's wrongwith our schools. I can't think of a better book recommendation for a young person considering ed school, a student in ed school, or a teacher who is trying to figure out why the time spent in ed school has so little to do with his or her classroom success. It's not really out-of-print, so if you can't get it at Amazon, try a print-on-demand service.

I enjoyed reading Rita Kramer's first-hand account of what our future teachers are learning. Although she is not dispassionate, she is absolutely well-informed about the travesty that passes for "education" in the "ed schools." Future teachers are indoctrinated, not educated, and that is the major reason for most of our problems in education today. If you care about improving schools, and if you are worried about your own child's education, READ THIS BOOK!

Rita Kramer has written a classic book about what is wrong with teacher education. She spent nearly a year visiting schools of education around the country, and her accounts of what she saw are priceless!

I read this book in 1971, just prior to my fiirst child's birth. I read many child psychology books prior to this one, but this one strcuk me as the most down to earth. Dr. Salk's approach made the most sense. I have recommended this book to every new mother that I have met. I am trying to buy more copies of this out of print book so I can give one to each of my children . My wife and I want to enjoy our grandchildren RJD .

I read this book about 20 years ago I had borrowed it from a friend and I have searched for it since to share it with my children and their children and of course to read again myself. I loved her way of writing it captured my attention immediately and its light humor lifted my spirits...