The Knowledge Gap

The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System--and How to Fix it

By: Natalie Wexler

Narrated by: Natalie Wexler

Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

The untold story of the root cause of America's education crisis - and the seemingly endless cycle of multigenerational poverty.

It was only after years within the education reform movement that Natalie Wexler stumbled across a hidden explanation for our country's frustrating lack of progress when it comes to providing every child with a quality education. The problem wasn't one of the usual scapegoats: lazy teachers, shoddy facilities, lack of accountability. It was something no one was talking about: the elementary school curriculum's intense focus on decontextualized reading comprehension "skills" at the expense of actual knowledge. In the tradition of Dale Russakoff's The Prize and Dana Goldstein's The Teacher Wars, Wexler brings together history, research, and compelling characters to pull back the curtain on this fundamental flaw in our education system - one that fellow reformers, journalists, and policymakers have long overlooked, and of which the general public, including many parents, remains unaware.

But The Knowledge Gap isn't just a story of what schools have gotten so wrong - it also follows innovative educators who are in the process of shedding their deeply ingrained habits, and describes the rewards that have come along: students who are not only excited to learn but are also acquiring the knowledge and vocabulary that will enable them to succeed. If we truly want to fix our education system and unlock the potential of our neediest children, we have no choice but to pay attention.

©2019 Natalie Wexler (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Essential reading for teachers, education administrators, and policymakers alike." (Library Journal starred review)

"Education journalist Wexler mounts a compelling critique of American elementary schools.... An informative analysis of elementary education that highlights pervasive problems." (Kirkus Reviews)

"For parents, teachers, and anyone who cares about the potential of education to brighten kids' futures, reading The Knowledge Gap will be an eye-opening experience. Through vivid classroom scenes and stories of would-be reformers, Natalie Wexler exposes a crucial aspect education that is often overlooked: In most American elementary schools, teachers are not given the training and support they need to provide deep, rich content - about history, social studies, science, language and the world around them. And students, especially vulnerable ones, suffer for it.” (Peg Tyre, author of The Good School: How Smart Parents Get Their Children the Education They Deserve)

"The knowledge gap is real, and its effects are profound. This book offers an accurate, engaging, and clear description of the problem and how to solve it. It’s a must-read for educators, parents and policy makers." (Dr. Judith C. Hochman, founder of The Writing Revolution; co-author, The Writing Revolution: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades)

I enjoyed the history of current education.

This is a book full of information. I will need to listen again to gleen all of it.

Educator approved

As an educator, this is what we have been saying for years. I’m fairly new in the field, but this is so validating to know people are working on a change and finally seeing it in schools. 2024, Minnesota.

Incredible

This is what teachers have been saying for a long time! Well written and easy to understand, even my non-educational background husband enjoyed it on our vacation car trip!

Must Read- all teachers, parents & administrators

This book is a must read for anyone who wants to be an expert or thinks they are an expert in reading instruction. This foundational knowledge will give you the background you need to make policy decisions and advocacy decisions. Our children deserve everyone to know this information.

Wow

I highly recommend this book to all educators. It put into words things that I have been thinking for many years.

Must Read For Every Educator

This is a must read if you work in the education system. If you are tired of spinning your wheels to discover how to really help your student grow you need to read this. Warning… if you have been in education for a while you will be frustrated as you read and discover how you have been misguided by some very well known people in education.

Everyone invested in education should read

If you are a teacher, parent, whatever, a stakeholder in k-12 education in, this is an important read. I'm the book, Ms Wexler describes various teachers and their approaches to curriculum changes and how it has impacted student scoring. It also answers the question what's wrong with the education system in the US. I'll be putting her suggestions to use in my homeschool.

great info

Completed this as a PD book study. So glad I did this as this gave me a new perspective for teaching.

Must read for teachers and parents!

I am both an elementary teacher and a parent of young children. This book brings to light enormous holes that are so excruciatingly common in schools. Every teacher and parent should read this book. Even more, administrators and government officials should read this book. Highly recommended!

Every educator must read this!!!!!!!!!

This is the most powerful book I have read in my 33 years of teaching. What is written about in this book, I have lived as an educator. It is so important for you to read for yourself! The science of reading and the nature of testing is something I have been so passionate about. This book hit the nail on the head and brought to the forefront the things that everyone is afraid to say, but those things MUST BE SAID!