The Bookshelf: Oct. 2, 2014

Trib+Edu is joining with respected books authority Kirkus Reviews to bring you select reviews of books of note in the field of public education. For more book reviews and recommendations, visit Kirkus.com.

DEEPER LEARNING: How Eight Innovative Public Schools Are Transforming Education in the Twenty-First Century

by Monica Martinez, Dennis McGrath

“Deeper Learning,” they write, “is the process of preparing and empowering students to master essential academic content, think critically and solve complex problems” ... Setting Common Core State Standards, they believe, is a step in the right direction, but implementing those standards has been challenging, and they serve as only “one element” in getting students to acquire the knowledge and skills they need. The authors cite eight schools that have met the goals of Deeper Learning ... These schools represent diverse ethnic and economic populations but are “slightly smaller than the norm” for American high schools. Indeed, with all having fewer than 600 students, the schools selected are far smaller than high schools in many U.S. cities, which serve thousands.

For full review, visit kirkus.com