Back to School

Back to School

Preface: Back to School

Preface: Back to School

This is a book about people in tough circumstances who find their way, who get a second… or third… or fourth chance, who, in some cases, feel like they are reinventing themselves. Education can play a powerful role in creating that second chance.
At a time when public institutions are held in low regard, and schools at all levels are under assault – for good reasons and bad – Back to School demonstrates what education can do…even though it was often earlier schooling that let people down. The stories in this book affirm the transformational potential of the college classroom, the occupational workshop, the tutoring center, the mentoring relationship.
One of the defining characteristics of the United States is its promise of a second chance; this promise is central to our vision of ourselves, and to our economic and civic dynamism. When we are at our best as a society, our citizens are not trapped by their histories. Sadly this possibility is contracting, partly because of a damaged and unstable economy but more so because of our political response to the economy. There are better ways to respond and to foster the growth of a wider sweep of our population. I hope Back to School points us in that direction.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Tell Your Story

We all have stories about going to college. We’d love to know about your experience as a college student.

Please write a short personal narrative of your experiences with the following ideas presented in Back to School by Mike Rose. Feel free to elaborate on others being mentioned during class as well.

Nontraditional students
Hardships leading to and/or during college
A personal realization of the need of change
Second chance institutions: community college, vocational/occupational education
Remedial education
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