Book Reviews

"Attic Black-Figure Hydria," Lykomedes Painter, Athens, Greece, 520–510 B.C.

Victory in “Battle of Classics” Could Save Civilization, Book Says

A defense of the humanities against the dominance of science
Book cover of "Teaching Machines" by Audrey Watters

The Quest for an “Automatic Teacher”

A compelling narrative marred by flawed commentary
Book cover of "Sludge" by Cass R. Sunstein

In “Sludge,” Sunstein Shines a Light in the Bureaucratic Darkness

Can "sludge audits" or a presidential order ease the paperwork burden that is hurting American schools?
Book covers of "The Tyranny of Merit" and "The Aristocracy of Talent"

The Merits of Meritocracy

Does it expand opportunity or entrench privilege?
Book cover of "Scripting the Moves"

No Excuses, Revisited

A thoughtful but dated criticism of “no excuses” schools
Book cover of "Beyond Standards" by Morgan Polikoff

A Sharp Critique of Standards-Based Reform

Polikoff pins his hopes on high-quality curricula selected by the states
Book cover of "Hybrid Homeschooling"

A Robust and Timely Discussion of a New Kind of Homeschooling

Hybrid approach combines at-home learning with school attendance
Book cover of The Quick Fix

The Fix Is In

A skeptical look at “the oracle of social science”
Book cover of "Let's Be Reasonable" by Jonathan Marks

A More Principled Vision for Higher Learning

Jonathan Marks urges a recommitment to reason
Book covers of "Making College Pay" by Beth Akers and "The Price You Pay For College" by Ron LIeber

Advice and Caution on Investing in a College Education

An economist and a financial journalist offer their strategies

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