Deeper Learning

How Eight Innovative Public Schools Are Transforming Education in the Twenty-First Century

The acclaimed exploration of how public education can cultivate innovators—with a foreword by Russlynn Ali, a leading advocate for remaking schools

“A wonderful book that should be read by every educator, parent, and policy maker.” —Tony Wagner, author of Creating Innovators and The Global Achievement Gap

Dime-a-dozen ideas for reforming education seem to be everywhere these days but few actually transform the everyday experience of the 50-million-plus students who are regularly subjected to traditional lecturing, note-taking, and rote learning—often with dismal results. Enter Deeper Learning, “a fast read [that] will interest educators who want to produce self-motivated, passionate learners” (Library Journal).

Offering “uplifting” (Kirkus Reviews) anecdotes in what Tom Carroll of the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future calls a “rare blend of inspiration and practical action,” Deeper Learning provides a blueprint for creating flexible environments that put students at the helm of their own collaborative learning experience. This paperback edition includes a new foreword by renowned education advocate Russlynn Ali and will empower and inspire educators everywhere to address the need for schools to be genuinely innovative.

Praise

“In the tradition of Ted Sizer, Pedro Noguera, Gloria Ladson-Billings, and other innovative thought leaders, Martinez and McGrath provide inspiring examples of what deeper, student-centered learning looks like in practice. Communities across the nation must use the principles outlined in this book to fundamentally transform schools into places where Deeper Learning flourishes as a rule rather than an exception.”
—Warren Simmons, executive director, Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University
“This compelling book reveals how eight schools are navigating the transition from industrial-era teaching to twenty-first-century learning. A rare blend of inspiration and practical action.”
—Tom Carroll, president emeritus, National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future
“It is a fast read and will interest educators who want to produce self-motivated, passionate learners with a goal that looks beyond passing tomorrow’s quiz.”
Library Journal
Deeper Learning is both informed and informative. From California to Maine, eight exemplary public schools show us how teachers and principals are finding creative ways to impact the learning and life chances of high school youth. This book is a clarion call to celebrate the imagination and commitment of educators in these and other stellar public schools.”
—Mary Brabeck, Gale and Ira Drukier Dean, NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
Deeper Learning is a refreshing reminder that the best schools are defined by a commitment to motivating, challenging, and connecting students to their own lives and their own learning.”
—Elena Silva, senior associate, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
“The best book on education I have read in 2014. . . . I will be sharing this with every educator that I know.”
—Aaron Maurer, Iowa Teacher of the Year finalist, Bettendorf Schools

News and Reviews

Getting Smart

Getting Smart's feature on Deeper Learning

Forecaster Newspaper

Forecaster Newspaper's feature on Deeper Learning.

Goodreads Reviews