There Are No Shortcuts

Rating:
Summary: Black and White People
Review: "There Are No Shortcuts" by Rafe Esquith is a book that opens your eyes to the ridiculousness of LAUSD's (Los Angeles Unified School District) bureaucracy. I don't know about the majority of the US's public education system alumns, but the details in the book struck me as painfully, hilariously true (The red tape, self-aggrandizing teachers, the unfairness and the mediocrity in classrooms).

Esquith has a familiar, charismatic, and witty style to his writing, which invites you to stay awhile in his circus-crazy world. It's a fast, fun read, that makes you wish you had such a dedicated teacher when growing up.

However, one thing that readers *must* know before cracking open this books is: "There Are No Shortcuts" is NOT meant as a teaching manual. It's the story of a man, (a man with faults, yes, but a good man, nonetheless) sharing with the world what he has to go through each day to achieve his end goals - the enrichment of his kids' lives. Don't read this book if you're expecting your hand held for your teaching post.

People say that Esquith has geniuses for a class, but growing up in "the Jungle," I don't know whether to laugh or cry. The so-called "Gifted" and GATE programs were, and still, laughable attempts of allocating the "smart" from the "dumb." One thing I know: Don't underestimate the kids. Esquith may do a lot, but kids aren't stupid. In the book, Esquith expects great things from his students, and part of the charm of reading the book is seeing those kids grow - reaching a part of their potential more quickly with Esquith's mentorship.

Like many of the reviewers of the book has noted, no *sane*, *normal* teacher would ever dream of spending so much time and effort into his or her classroom - that's what differentiates Rafe Esquith from the rest of the pack.

Rating:
Summary: A must read for teachers
Review: A word of caution. You must read this book all the way to the end or you may give up teaching. Toward the end, Rafe gives some hope for us ordinary mortals.

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: Inspiring and Nostalgic
Review: The inspirations he gives to his students are amazing, he brings out the best from each and every one of them. Although I was not fortunate enough to be part of his everyday class, I was invited to participate in his Math Team and was allowed to sit in his class during my vacation to experience his magic. I've had many great and inspirational teachers since '92, but Rafe was the one who made me realize that living in poverty does not mean I am doomed to never get out. Mr. Esquith in my opinion single handedly changed my life. This book takes you through a full year in the life of being a student in Rafe's class. Rafe is a rarity among teachers. Those who read his book should realize that the author does not expect every teacher to teach the way he does. But by taking some his ideas and implementing them in their curriculum, it may inspire the students to want to become better citizens and teachers to want to become better teachers. Teaching in a class of 40-50 students in two different grades (in 1992 when I was in his class he taught 5th and 6th grade) in a low income neighborhood where every student of his spoke English as a second language is daunting enough regardless whether they were in GATE or not.

Rafe is an incredible individual with tremendous heart. Teachers, students, and parents should read this book and know that there are teachers out there that believe in the future of their students regardless of the bureaucracy they may face.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating and moving.
Review: This is a fascinating and moving book by an extraordinary teacher. You will be amazed by what Esquith and his students achieve in his inner city classroom. If you think that our educational system is a hopeless muddle, you will be stunned by what his students learn and by how much his teaching methods are derived from inspired common sense. Although most of us could probably not take a class of fifth graders from homes where English is the second language and hope to have them perform an unabridged Shakespeare play by the end of the year as Esquith does, many of the ideas he uses can be easily duplicated. He points out that if we want our children to learn more, they should spend more time in school, as his students do. If we want them to succeed they need to understand the nexus between work and success, as the title of the book suggests. Whether you are a parent, or a teacher or just someone who cares about the struggle for excellence, this is a compelling read that will give you new insights into a great many issues that trouble all of us. Esquith is not only a great teacher, but also an acute observer who, fortunately for the reader, has retained a great sense of humor.

Rating:
Summary: The Right Stuff
Review: This was an inspirational book that moved me deeply. Though many of the stories were humorous, I clearly understood the pathos of Rafe's life process--I cried several times while reading. While he struggled to find meaning in his own life, he gave others the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and aspirations. We, as parents, try to teach our children good citizenship, and hope that during the school day teachers will continue that goal. It is gratifying to see this happening in a public school classroom.

I especially love the economic system he uses in the classroom. These children are learning a lot about life skills. It makes me wish I had been in his class for the fifth grade. They have such fun!

The book was an enjoyable read with many poignant stories about the children of today.