A Search for Common Ground

Conversations About the Toughest Questions in K-12 Education

De: Frederick M. Hess, Pedro A. Noguera

Narrado por: Emmanuel Chumaceiro, Alex Knox

Winner of the PROSE Award (Education Practice & Theory category) 2022

At a time of bitter national polarization, there is a critical need for leaders who can help us better communicate with one another. In A Search for Common Ground, Rick Hess and Pedro Noguera, who have often fallen on opposing sides of the ideological aisle over the past couple of decades, candidly talk through their differences on some of the toughest issues in K–12 education today - from school choice to testing to diversity to privatization. They offer a sharp, honest debate that digs deep into their disagreements, enabling them to find a surprising amount of common ground along the way. Written as a series of back-and-forth exchanges, this engaging book illustrates a model of responsible, civil debate between those with substantial, principled differences. It is also a powerful meditation on where 21st-century school improvement can and should go next.

This book features: modeling dialogue; deliberate, sustained exchange; Left and Right politics; readable and conversational; and a unique approach.

©2021 Teachers College, Columbia University (P)2021 Tantor

The cure for our ills

Love the premise of this book. In this divisive age, we should all use this book as a template for finding areas of common ground where we disagree.Charters, Gates foundation, COVID policy, racism, all the hot button issues in education are covered. While Hess comes across as rather glib at times and the analysis lacks depth and detail, this is a nice concise volume and a springboard for discussion. Should be used in Ed curriculum for teachers. Public should read and learn. Listen to the podcast where the authors discuss similar issues further, and Hess comes off more real, less caricature in podcast. Very impressed with the authors and the AEI after reading this book. I have hope for democracy again.Dewey would be proud.