There Are No Shortcuts

Rating:
Summary: Very Easy Reader
Review: If one approaches this book as realistic fiction, it is a quick, easy read. Unfortunately, the author's hubris, which remains apparent despite several transparent passes made at appearing humble, makes it difficult to take this book seriously as a non-fiction work.

The author's anecdotes consistently fall into the good-guy (the author) vs. bad-guy (anyone who dares to annoy or disagree with the author) scenario. Although breezily paced, the book is riddled with simplistic thinking and painfully awkward writing, resulting in a three-star effort at best.

Rating:
Summary: buyer beware
Review: If you are a new teacher looking for a how-to book, this is not it. The only how-to chapter is "When Numbers Get Serious," which explains his token economy system, but you can get that kind of information from a basic search of the internet. This book is about a man looking for accolades that he feels has been denied by the district he works in.

Don't be fooled by the number of 5-star reviews. After reading the book, my opinion is that those 5-star reviews were written by Esquith's friends and don't accurately reflect the book.

Rating:
Summary: Story of one brave teacher's fight for quality education
Review: If you are concerned about and saddened by the quality of education that kids are receiving these days, Rafe Esquith's book will inspire you and give you hope for the future. His story of lessons learned and invaluable advice are relevant not just for teachers and parents, but for anyone who wants to go the extra mile and find success. It's reassuring to know that there are teachers out there, like Rafe, who fight the good fight everyday when all we hear and see is the negatives of the current educational system. Teachers are the unsung heroes of our time and Rafe Esquith's book made me appreciate the hard work and dedication they bring to their jobs on a daily basis.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful story, guidebook, and inspiration
Review: In this book, Rafe Esquith is driving a speeding vehicle and takes us for a joyride. His chapters are filled with so many intriguing stories, animated characters, and inspiring advice that it is hard to believe the book is nonfiction. If you are looking for a fun, interesting way to re-define your goals and values, read this book!

Rating:
Summary: There are no shortcuts
Review: Inspirational reading!
I was impresed with Rafe's dedication and strong desire to instruct, assist and guide underpriviledged students to suceed. I was particularly moved by way Rafe tacle barriers to allow him to continue with his creative style of teaching 5th and 6th graders.
Rafe believes that there are no shortcuts to success; "It comes from a strong work ethic, dedication and perseverance on the part of children, teachers and parents alike. His expectations for students are high but he provides them with a rich laerning environment as well as tutoring before and after shool, during recess and lunch, Saturdays and vacations for his regular and former students.
Learning should not be mundane is his thinking. Teachers must find ways to enhance the curriculum by incorporating activities that are meaningful and joyous to their students. At the conclusion of his class reading on "Bury my heart at wounded knee"; which illustrates indian wars of the post-civil war era. Rafe traveled with his students across South Dakota, Montana,Wyoming to help students gain an understanding of native american history. I believe that such enriched style of learning is beneficial and it becomes an unforgettable life experience. As part of arithmetic section Rafe includes a class economic system in which kids learn how to fill out job applications, budget expenses and balance checkbooks. All of which are essential skills to life.
Rafe agrees with John Wooden's (UCLA basketball coach) four laws of learning: explanation,demonsttration,imitation, and repetition. Teacher's role is to explain and demonstrate and student's role is to imitate and repeat as many times needed until the concept is mastered.
My view in education is similar to Rafe's creative teaching style, Learning should be fun and interactive. Teacher's need to raise the expectation bar at the same time they provide the tools and guidance in an innovative and motivational manner.

Rating:
Summary: Spectacular
Review: Just Spectacular!! There are no words for this book. Everyone should read it. Rafe is also correct how there are no shortcuts.

Rating:
Summary: Method to Madness?
Review: Maybe that should've been the book's title. If you are insane enough to work at school from dawn to dusk, giving up your recess and lunch, then this book could be your guide. As for the rest of us normal teachers, the book is not very useful. This book portrays the life of a dysfunctional man, who teaches mostly gifted students, some of whom go to top colleges. Where are the statistics on those who didn't make it to the top? Where are the anecdotes about how to deal with every day classroom management issues?

Rating:
Summary: Inspiration for veteran teachers
Review: Mr. Esquith clearly states why he wrote this book: "...this book is meant to be reminder OF WHAT PUBLIC EDUCATION CAN BE," in addition to giving hope to young teachers. I, too, teach in a large, urban school system (Charlotte-Mecklenburg NC) and I can identify with the rigid, top-down, "the administrators know what's right," abide-by-the-rules-and-keep-the-kids-controlled mentality. It's nice to know that I'm not alone and that someone else has prevailed.

Make no mistake, Esquith IS a freak. He is passionate about teaching. Well ... GREAT! Mozart was passionate about composing, and the world is richer for it. For me, a teacher in public schools now for 8 years and previous experience as a college instructor, this book is an inspiration to NOT GIVE UP. Too often, I fall into the trap of teaching to the bright kids and give up too easily on the less able. I will work harder this year to teach every child, to not let administrators and burnt-out or cynical teachers pull me away from a dream I had in college to create greatness in students. Sometimes the worst place in the world for a teacher with hope is at the lunch table with other teachers who have given up.

I came across Mr. Esquith's book by accident. Other books I've read this summer that have reinforced his message are Levine's "A Mind at a Time", Gardner's "The Unschooled Mind", and Gould's "The Biggest Job We'll Ever Have". And even though I've grown by reading and reflection, guess what? I'll still have to go to some useless In-service session and I'll get no credit for REAL professional growth. Such is the educational establishment, as Mr. Esquith so eloquently points out.

No, this book is not Wong's "First Days of School." It's an inspirational book and a diary of one teacher's battle to achieve high standards against a wave of mediocrity.

Rating:
Summary: lots of distortions
Review: MR. ESQUITH REVEALS ON PAGE 151 THAT HE IS A GATE TEACHER.
tHAT MEANS THAT HE IS TEACHING GIFTED CHILDREN WHO HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED OR HAVE PREVIOUSLY SCORED A "GIFTED SCORE" ON A STANDARDIZED TEST, SO THEY ARE INCLUDED WITH HIS CLASS. WHY DOES HE BOAST IN THE PRIOR PAGES ABOUT HOW HARD THEY WORK ETC.
LEADING US TO BELIEVE THAT THESE ARE AVERAGE KIDS WORKING HARD BECAUSE OF HIS INSPIRATIONAL AND DEVOTED TEACHING.

THE CHARACTERS HE DESCRIBES ARE CLICHES OF THE WORST KIND.
HIS IDEAL PEOPLE ARE 'FICTIONAL CHARACTERS' - NOT REAL LIFE PEOPLE LIKE, JEFFERSON, JOHN DEWEY, MONTESSORI -real people and educators of one kind and another are absent. IAN MCKELLEN AND HAL HOLBROOK BOTH CONSUMMATE ACTORS APPRECIATE RECITATION .MR. ESQUITH'S CLASSES ARE MADE UP OF KOREAN AND HISPANIC CHILDREN - BUT ISN'T IT TRUE THAT LYNN HARRELL'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVEN TO HIS CLASSES, SO HE JUST DIDN'T ACCIDENTALLY 'MEET MR. HARRELL AT A CONCERT'. HE ALSO HAD, LUCKY FOR HIM, OTHER MORE AFFLUENT KOREAN CHILDREN FROM OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS ENTER HIS CLASS. HIS SELF IMPORTANCE IS OVERWHELMING.shame on him for exploiting his fame for such a sham book.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Enthralling
Review: Mr. Esquith's anecdotes are highly informative and enlightening. As an old student of his, I appreciate his candid approach at sharing his experiences during his somewhat twenty years of teaching. I, too, had to cope with problems much like those described in his book. Mr. Esquith's ability to see the compassion and potential in all of his students, underprivileged or even abused, is quite a gift. His struggles are all too real and some have yet to be overcome. This book is a must for any dedicated teacher or parent interested in the reality of inner-city public schools.