There Are No Shortcuts | 
|  | | | Title: | There Are No Shortcuts | | Author: | Rafe Esquith | | Publisher: | Anchor | | Type: | Book / Paperback | | Publication Date: | 11 May, 2004 | | ISBN / ISBN-13: | 1400030838 / 9781400030835 | | List Price: | $13.95 | | You Save: | $2.79 | | Amazon Price: | $11.16 | |
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| Editorial Review / Publisher's Information:
Product Description
Year after year, Rafe Esquith’s fifth-grade students excel. They read passionately, far above their grade level; tackle algebra; and stage Shakespeare so professionally that they often wow the great Shakespearen actor himself, Sir Ian McKellen. Yet Esquith teaches at an L.A. innercity school known as the Jungle, where few of his students speak English at home, and many are from poor or troubled families. What’s his winning recipe? A diet of intensive learning mixed with a lot of kindness and fun. His kids attend class from 6:30 A.M. until well after 4:00 P.M., right through most of their vacations. They take field trips to Europe and Yosemite. They play rock and roll. Mediocrity has no place in their classroom. And the results follow them for life, as they go on to colleges such as Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford.
Possessed by a fierce idealism, Esquith works even harder than his students. As an outspoken maverick of public education (his heroes include Huck Finn and Atticus Finch), he admits to significant mistakes and heated fights with administrators and colleagues. We all—teachers, parents, citizens—have much to learn from his candor and uncompromising vision.
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Customer Reviews:
• There Are No Shortcuts 24 September, 2008
Excellent for Elementary Educators. Some application to Middle and High School. Inspires all teachers to reach for the best performance.Funny at times, but grounded in reality. Somewhat political at the end. Small disappointment.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A3MUE78MVSAOC7
• Self-serving, But Entertaining And Educational... 08 April, 2008
This book is clearly written by a teacher who is proud of his noteworthy achievements and who invests an immense amount of time and effort in his job. As his first book, it suffers from some self-centeredness and a desire to share stories of failures and successes within the public school system with his readers. The anecdotes are generally interesting, but he doesn't go far beyond them into specific classroom methods. Most discussion of methods happens at a high level. His second book, "Teach Like your Hair's on Fire," is much more interesting to read overall, but I'm glad to have read both.
As a private school teacher myself, he makes it sound like public school teachers must be masochists to put up with the many obstacles keeping them from success in the classroom. I have experienced precious few of the obstacles he describes, but my public school teacher wife assures me that his stories are ever so representative. This book is likely more applicable to public school teachers, especially new ones to the profession.
The audio version of this book is, unfortunately, not aided by the author reading it himself. It makes an already self-centered text come across as almost arrogant, at times. His intonation is somewhat monotone and his rhythm is strangely strained for such a stalwart shakespeare fan.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A2SKVCKORF8J9Y
• Awesome Book, Awesome Person! 18 July, 2008
As a teacher, I highly reccomend Rafe's first book. His life story is truly inspiring and encouraging for those of us in the trenches of the classroom. I think it is a mistake to criticize his way of life or dedication, but rather look at your own situation, and see what you can learn from his experience. For instance, I applied his economic system (discussed in detail in the book) and my students loved it and learned so much from it.
On a personal note, Rafe, as busy as he is, has always taken the time to try and answer my questions regarding teaching. He truly practices what he preaches, "Be Nice, Work Hard." He came at the right time in life, when I was wondering whether I had chosen the wrong profession. My wife noticed how he helped change my attitude.
This man has dedicated his life to improving education, his student lives and now teacher's lives, as he travels the country speaking and writing. He puts the proceeds from his books into his classroom's non-profit group, which pays for student trips, etc. So by purchasing the book, you are not just helping him, but are helping the kids he teaches in the poor sections of L.A.
Thank you.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A1USTJN81BM7CR
• There Are No Shortcuts Review 16 February, 2008
Wow. This guy is amazing. I would recommend this book to anyone aspiring to be a teacher because his teaching methods are truly inspirational. I'm planning to use many of his methods in my classroom when I start teaching. Wonderful book. I'd highly recommend getting his other book "Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire." Both great books. Enjoy!! =]
- Reviewed by customer ID: AJDEURGFWGL0O
• There Is A Fine Line Between Genius And Insanity... 17 April, 2008
... and I'm quite positive that Rafe Esquith stands firmly on the "insanity" side. This was an interesting read, though I would never use it as a guideline for how to teach, which is how it was presented to me. More of a how not to, or a jumping off point for thinking about the demands of education today.
- Reviewed by customer ID: AH7UKMYLRCQ78
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