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Summary: Unfortunately, I disagree on some points...
Review: In reading some of the reviews of other people who have had the distinction of reading this oft-times absorbing book, I have to disagree with a few remarks about the impact that this book MIGHT have or will have on those who read it. It seems to me this book is merely a sad testament to the state of our educational systems, but it does little to change anything. I won't argue that this book shouldn't be written, it should, but in reality, it seems to just be text meant to be assigned as required reading for undergraduate students. I completely and utterly empathise with the plight of these poor children who suffer so miserably and have so few, if no, chances at success in their life, but it almost seems a futile effort to go to such lengths to open the public's eyes to these atrocities when these students will continue to live in abject poverty, attend sorely underfunded schools, and have no hope for the future. Some fellow students have remarked that my viewpoint is cynical and misinformed, but I am merely contending that instead of bemoaning the unfortunate predicament these children are in, that something more solid and concrete should be done to help them. I guess I am cynical for I assert that the author has made his money on the books that he writes and yet, these children continue to suffer. If he's so concerned for them, why doesn't he do something about it other than just write about their miserable existence? I mean, is it just me? Does anyone else feel this way? I would hate to think that I am making erroneous statements because I have not researched this nor have I attempted to contact the author to see what his role has been in all of this, so if anyone has any information to the contrary, I would be interested to hear it. No lectures please.
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Summary: TEN STARS!
Review: This book changed my life. My thoughts, my feelings, my actions- all are different having read this masterpiece. My future plans as well as my present projects are to some degree inspired by Kozol's book. It has changed my life. It's as simple as that.
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Summary: This book made me cry.....
Review: Kozol paints a depressing picture of the state of American education. This text is an eye-opener. As a graduate student in education, this book is a must-read.
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Summary: straight to the root of the urban problem
Review: kozol is a master of urbanism data!
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Summary: A MUST READ FOR ALL AMERICAN CITIZENS!
Review: I read this book several years ago and I continue to refer to it as I discuss --with anyone who will listen --education in this country. Kozol's thesis that where your parents live (and their SES determines that, right?) determines the kind of education you will receive. The issues of privatization, for-profit schools, etc. are quick "market" fixes that do not address the inequity of education in America. Public education is a right and those who do not recognize Kozol's arguments and "savage inequalities" models, are either in denial or selfish (as in, "I've got what I want, so leave me alone.") I think that this book should be mandatory reading for all citizens of this country. It's a wake-up call.
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Summary: Good reporting but...
Review: This is a well-reported and eye-opening book. Kozol effectively points to the many ways in which the public educational system fails poor students, often in shocking ways. (The first section, about East St Louis, is absolutely incredible.) The book has two big flaws: 1) it attributes disparate educational opportunities to differences in school funding. Yet no figures are presented. And Kozol doesn't explain how some districts with fewer funds can outperform ones with more. The analysis is incomplete; 2) he does not consider school choice and privatization in any depth. As a liberal, Kozol wants to help the poor, but he refuses to go beyond the socialist model and consider new ways of achieving educational results. Kozol is an intelligent and well-intentioned person, but his viewpoint is limited and old-fashioned. These horror stories about urban public schools have been surfacing for literally forty years now -- and nothing ever changes! The fact is, these school systems have conclusively proven they do not deserve added funds. It is time for competition and innovation -- and the fear of failure and job loss -- to motivate the educational system so these unbelievable stories Kozol unearths will cease to be so frequent.
Rating:
Summary: a must read
Review: If more people read this book, our country would be a much different and better place. We must educate all of our children. This becomes more important everyday as we move further into the knolwedge based economy.
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Summary: Savage Inequalities based on property tax
Review: According to Jonathan Kozol, "Most public schools in the United States depend for their initial funding on a tax on local property. There are also state and federal funding sources, and we will discuss them later, but the property tax is the decisive force in shaping inequality." Kozol's argument is that although these are public schools the funding is unequal. Kozol: "Unless we have the wealth to pay for private education, we are compelled by law to go to public school--and to the public school in our district. Thus the state, by requiring attendance but refusing to require equity, effectively requires inequality." Racism and classism is probably a major factor in keeping this local taxation and funding of school districts unequal. The wealthy have consistently opposed efforts to reform this inequality.
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Summary: Required Reading
Review: This textbook should be required reading for anyone involved in education on any level. It is in many ways a slap in the face with regard to the real inequities which exist in American society (although, as the title suggests it focuses primarily upon schools). It is also well written and extremely thought provoking. I bought it some time back for myself and I am now purchasing it for my library.
Rating: 
Summary: It must be racism!!
Review: This book is a must read for anyone who prefers to blame their troubles on the all purpose scapegoat of racism rather than take responsibility for themselves, their children and their community
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