By James Sebastien
Tony Wagner is the CO-Director of the Change Leadership Group at Harvard Graduate School of Education and the author of four books about education. Including his most recent, The Global Achievement Gap: Why Even Our Best Schools Don't Teach the New Survival Skills Our Children Need--And What We Can Do About It.
Not surprisingly, Wagner, is a bit unpopular among some teachers, for the way he paints primary educating methods in an obsolete light and the perceived belittling of qualifications. I received word from a group of educators at a public school, in which they expressed their views on Wagner's Global Achievement Gap.
Views such as, one teacher who said, “How can he speak for every teacher's education, I was indeed prepared.” While, another commended his Seven Survival Skills, agreed with the overall consensus that rote memorization was a necessity and reliance on technology hinders a child's capability of learning the step by step process.
Some, simply did not read the book, for the belief it was merely a putdown on educators. To which a third teacher expanded upon by stating, “A young graduate with a Masters is not a substitute for an experienced Teacher.” Then a fourth, gave her opinion on National Board Certification by saying, “It's a great way to make a little extra money, but it does not make one a better educator, it's only a dog and pony show.”
I recently was in contact with the author, Tony Wagner and had the opportunity to ask him the following questions.
Q. What is the basis for your Seven Survival Skills, and when was the last time you taught a public school class, either middle or high school? Further, have you thought about taking a year to teach an inner city public school, implementing you techniques and then writing a book about your experience?
A. I was a high school English teacher for 12 years, including 5 years teaching at risk kids. I was also a principal, and I taught a class last spring. You can find out more about my background on my website www.schoolchange.org. My next book will be about "the innovation generation" and what parents, teachers, and employers need to do to support them.
Q. Have you ever thought about teaching summer school at one of your local public schools? Your next book sounds interesting, are you planning to focus on the Cambridge area or across this country? In a sense, are you going for a national survey feel, or a more personal focus on a specific school or school system?
A. National. Wish I had more time to teach.
Q. On topic of your book, The Global Achievement Gap. What do you believe is the most positive sign to come about, since its release? Also, how have school systems and teachers, as a whole reacted to your criticism?
A. 1. That business leaders have told me I got the skills right and that they better understand the ways our accountability system is failing. 2. Very positive. 50,000 copies sold. Many districts buy it for all their board and leadership.
Q. Finally, what is your prime hope for this book?
A. To bridge the gap between business and ed leaders and create a more forward-looking advocacy for the future of kids and our country.
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