"Lifting the Curtain" A Book Synopsis

Disclaimer: Please note, I am not suggesting this as a pro or con to the schools, government, or anyone else. I haven't read this book yet but found the topic interesting in light of today's current educational discussions at the playground, water cooler, and family picnics.


This is a blog to share D.A. Russell's book, Lifting the Curtain. As you read the pre-written blog post I received (and pasted below for your reading), I hope you will keep an open mind and visit the attached links to make your decision on whether to read or not to read. 

Our educational system is a hot news topic these days; from student restrictions to CORE curriculum and other policies, it’s apparent there is a problem. Today I’m sharing information on a newly released book called Lifting the Curtain: The disgrace we call urban high school education. The book offers us an impassioned look at education through the eyes of a teacher. You may win your own copy of Lifting the Curtain by entering the giveaway!

About the book: From outside, the solutions look deceptively easy—simply replace a handful of bad teachers, increase money spent on education, and upgrade buildings. But the real problems are far more severe than these easy targets, and far less costly to fix. To restore quality education in our urban schools, we must address the systemic failures. But what are the core issues?

In Lifting the Curtain: The disgrace we call urban high school education, Russell clearly reveals the problems. Through a combination of surveys, statistics, and personal observations, he exposes the hidden bureaucracy, manipulation, and poor policies stunting our children’s education. He follows this with an eleven point solution geared to put the focus back onto the best interests of the children.

Written like a casual report, Russell makes a serious subject more palatable through the use of humor, personal anecdotes, and cartoon-like illustrations by a talented young artist. What really matters is the information—what is happening and what can we do about it.

Clarion Reviews said, “In Lifting the Curtain, Russell lends a passionate voice to the current conversation about the fate of our schools. It’s sure to spark spirited debate and discussion among teachers, parents, and principals.”

About the Author: D.A. Russell has spent the last ten years as a math teacher in one of the urban high schools used as an example in Lifting the Curtain. He is an honors graduate of Dartmouth College, and received his master’s degree from Simon School, where he was valedictorian of his class. Russell is a decorated Vietnam veteran. He has two children that he treasures, and four grandchildren. His son is a police officer who served in the US Army in Afghanistan, earning a Bronze Star for valor. His daughter is a lawyer and his most passionate fan and honorary literary agent.

Russell has taught and coached children for decades. Few things are more important in his view than to cherish the children who are our real treasures in this world.

Title: Lifting the Curtain: The disgrace we call urban high school education
Author: D.A. Russell
Illustrated by Jessica Fitzpatrick
Genre: Non-Fiction
#Hashtag: #liftcurtain

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lifting-Curtain-disgrace-school-education/dp/0615939171/

Author’s Websites:
Website: http://liftingthecurtain.com/
Blog: http://liftingthecurtainoneducation.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiftingTheCurtainOnEducation

Win a copy of Lifting the Curtain—either hard copy or Kindle Edition, winner’s choice! 
To enter, visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LiftingTheCurtainOnEducation

SHOUT OUT TO OTHER BLOGGERS ~ There are other prizes to win! 
If you have a blog or other social media site you can join our promo party. 
For more details visit Sign Up Genius at: www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0548A8A82DA2FF2-lifting

Win a copy of Lifting the Curtain--either hard copy or Kindle Edition, winner’s choice! 
To enter the giveaway, go to the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LiftingTheCurtainOnEducation

Thank you for taking time to read about this book.