Law and Behavior
Bad Boys: Public Schools in the Making of Black Masculinity, by Ann Arnett Ferguson (University of Michigan Press, 839 Greene St., Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1104; 272 pp., $29.95 hardback). Based on three years of research at an elementary school, this examination of young black males’ high rate of suspension and other trouble with school authorities draws on interviews with teachers, principals, truant officers, and relatives of the students. The author, a Smith College professor of African-American studies, constructs a disturbing picture of the way what she sees as educators’ beliefs in a “natural difference” of black children and the “criminal inclination” of black males shapes decisions that disproportionately single out black males as being “at risk” for failure and punishment. She demonstrates how a group of 11- and 12-year-old African-American boys are identified by school personnel as “bound for jail’ and how these youths, in turn, construct a sense of self under such adverse circumstances. Rather than simply internalizing the labels attached to them, she says, the boys look critically at schooling, as they evaluate the meaning and motivation behind the labels.
May It Please the Court: Courts, Kids, and the Constitution, edited and narrated by Peter Irons (The NewPress, 450 W. 41st St., Sixth Floor, New York, NY 10036; four 90-minute cassettes and 368-page hardcover book,$59.95 boxed set). Focuses on the controversies and complexities surrounding students’ and teachers’ constitutional rights. This set of landmark “school rights” cases includes narrated tape recordings of 16 oral arguments made before the U.S. Supreme Court. They feature nationally known figures, including the late Chief Justice Earl Warren, the late Justice Thurgood Marshall, and former U.S. Solicitor General Kenneth W. Starr.
Student Cheating and Plagiarism in the Internet Era: A Wake-Up Call, by Ann Lathrop and Kathleen Foss (Libraries Unlimited, PO Box 6633, Englewood, CO 80155-6633; 255 pp., $30 paperback). Offers advice on how to recognize the danger signs of cheating and identify material that has been downloaded or copied from the Internet. Also teaches educators how to structure assignments to discourage plagiarism and offers constructive ways of responding to student cheating. Includes sample school and classroom policies for fostering academic integrity, as well as reproducible lessons and lists of helpful online and print resources.
School Leadership
Case Studies of the Superintendency, by Paula M. Short and Jay Paredes Scribner (Scarecrow Press, 4720 Boston Way, Lanham, MD 20706; 176 pp., $29 hardcover). A collection of research-based case studies in educational leadership developed by leading scholars in the field. Aimed at both aspiring and practicing administrators, the book uses a problem-based-learning format to help readers build and strengthen their leadership skills.
Good News! How To Get the Best Possible Media Coverage for Your School, by Gail A. Conners (Corwin Press Inc., 2455 Teller Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91320-2218; 128 pp., $27.95 paperback). A step-by-step guide to creating positive public perceptions of schools, whether in publicizing good news or handling sensitive situations. Gives the reader a brief, inside look at the media and outlines steps for becoming more media-savvy. Topics featured include: devising an effective communications plan, building credibility and accountability within the community, forming a relationship of trust with the media, crisis communications, pre-emptive measures for anticipated conflict, and using newsletters and the Internet for strategic aims.
Kellie McGarrh’s Hangin’ In Tough, edited by Clinton B. Allison (Peter Lang, 275 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10001; 140 pp., $29.95 hardcover). Edited by a University of Tennessee professor from the late Ms. McGarrh’s doctoral dissertation, this biography tells the story of a Southern female school superintendent, Mildred E. Doyle, who was, like many of her male counterparts, a former athlete, a “good old boy” politician, and a great character. Courageous, mischievous, and contradictory, Ms. Doyle was both beloved and considered a bit odd. Through her story, Ms. McGarrh analyzes issues of interest to educational historians as well as feminist scholars: women’s struggles to attain and retain administrative positions; differences in the ways men and women supervise and lead; and the impact of gender stereotyping and other biases on those who do not play their typical roles.
Rekindling the Flame: Principals Combating Teacher Burnout, by Barbara L. Brock and Marilyn L. Grady (Corwin Press Inc., 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320-2218; 152 pp., $22.95 paperback). Offers a practical approach to recognizing, managing, and preventing teacher burnout that is based on research. Includes information on recognizing burnout—its origins and symptoms, a personality profile of the susceptible teacher, the organizational and administrative issues involved—and outlines strategies for recovery and prevention, the principal’s role in that process, and effective long-term management of the problem.
For more information on these books, contact the publisher or your local library or bookstore. To order, call (888) 887-3200.
