The Importance of Average
Playing the Game of School to Increase Success and Achievement
By (author) Stephen Farenga, Daniel Ness, Dale D. Johnson, Bonnie Johnson
Publication date:
26 April 2011Length of book:
224 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersISBN-13: 9780742570139
The Importance of Average calls attention to the policies and practices that discriminate against the silent majority of students in the American educational system. Arguments presented emphasize the collateral damage caused to average students by legislative mandates, administrative policies, teaching practices, parenting beliefs, and adherence to strict psychological constructs. Each of these factors has created a pervasive psycho-educational belief of average ability. The authors challenge what they consider as a pseudo-definition of 'average' that was brought about as an attempt by policymakers to test their way out of addressing the true inequities found in society. Further, the authors identify how educational policymakers have sacrificed the education of an entire class of students by creating the illusion that underachievement can be eliminated simply through lowering standards and examination pass rates. In chronicling the plight of average students, the authors capture the emotions and attitudes of teachers, parents, and students whose frustrations have been set aside in order to meet other special interests. The authors explore methods that provide students of average knowledge in any given area with the appropriate tools necessary for succeeding in school. Finally, the authors argue that there is no such thing as 'average' intelligence.
The Importance of Average by Farenga, Ness, Johnson, and Johnson builds a sensible argument for paying more attention to the large group of nearly invisible learners in our schools. The authors' readable summaries of intelligence, motivation, and learning theories provide just enough background for adults to infuse a renewed sense of awe and wonder into learning experiences with children. A rich variety of practices celebrate creativity and discovery in areas of literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies/citizenship. This book is a must read for those who want to encourage meaningful learning among their children rather than simple bubble answer skills.