The School and Community Relations (7th Edition)

Rating:
Summary: Give it to Me Straight
Review: When I first read this book three years ago, parts of it made me uncomfortable. Although sections are very scholarly and texbook-like, such as those which deal with creating a school crisis or communication plan, other parts which address unseemly topics such as community power structures and politics seemed inappropriate and almost tabloidish. Even though I have literally been hit over the head with evidence of the latter during my 23 year teaching career I have always held onto my young teacher ideal that everyone involved in education, from the school board on down, are concerned about the students and would never use the school organization to promote their own agendas or need for power. As one of my professors taught me :"Denial is a strong emotion." On second reading I find this book provides valuable insight into what really makes the school structure tick- the subtle or not so subtle workings and politics between community power brokers and school officials,
between superintendents and school boards, and even between media representatives and school officials. A book I will return to often.