New Book by Scott Oki Offers Foundational Ideas for Truly Reforming Public Education
SEATTLE-(Business Wire)-September 8, 2009 - Alarmed by the problems facing our public school system today, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and education reformer Scott Oki recently authored Outrageous Learning: An Education Manifesto, proposing impactful and attainable solutions for change. Released by Washington Policy Center (WPC) and now available at Amazon.com, Oki’s book presents 11 foundational thoughts for bringing constructive change to public education.
“For the first time in U.S. history, the current generation is less educated than their parents,” Oki says. “There really is nothing more important to the future of our country than to make sure all children have the most indispensible tool they need to prosper: an education.”
Outrageous Learning’s 11 foundational pillars for education reform include:
1. Allow local school principals to lead their schools.
2. Allow schools to hire qualified teachers from the broadest pool possible, not just those who hold teaching credentials.
3. Allow parents more choices among public schools.
4. Allow students to spend more time learning.
5. Offer early learning opportunities and alternatives to traditional high school.
6. Muster an army of volunteers to help classroom teachers.
7. Don’t prescribe standardized curricula.
8. Intervene early, end social promotion, and get all kids reading at grade level in pre K-4.
9. Reallocate public education dollars to serve the core mission of schools: educating students.
10. Establish values, mold character, and develop leadership skills.
11. Establish a culture of excellence by embracing change and relentlessly pursuing innovation.
Outrageous Learning is intended to start an ongoing discussion of genuine education reform. WPC and Oki encourage parents, volunteers, educators, school administrators and policy-makers to join the online conversation at www.outrageouslearning.org. This interactive website provides a platform to share ideas, ask questions, and continue a broad conversation about improving public schools.
The book has already received praise for its effective, thoughtful ideas by Mark Emmert, University of Washington President, and Daniel Evans, former Washington State Governor and Senator. Oki is currently touring Washington State in town hall meetings to discuss education reform. To arrange an interview with Scott Oki or to receive a copy of Outrageous Learning, please contact John Barnes at 206-999-9908 or jbarnes@washingtonpolicy.org.
Visit www.outrageouslearning.org for more information or to order the 108-page book, also found at Amazon.com for $9.95.
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