What happens when teachers share power with students? In this profound book, Ira Shor—the inventor of critical pedagogy in the United States—relates the story of an experiment that nearly went out of control. Shor provides the reader with a reenactment of one semester that shows what really can happen when one applies the theory and democratizes the classroom. This is the story of one class in which Shor tried to fully share with his students control of the curriculum and of the classroom. After twenty years of practicing critical teaching, he unexpectedly found himself faced with a student uprising that threatened the very possibility of learning. How Shor resolves these problems, while remaining true to his commitment to power-sharing and radical pedagogy, is the crux of the book. Unconventional in both form and substance, this deeply personal work weaves together student voices and thick descriptions of classroom experience with pedagogical theory to illuminate the power relations that must be negotiated if true learning is to take place.

All children deserve the opportunity to practice freedom of thought, voice, and movement in school. Giving students the opportunity to practice freedom--to teach them how to be autonomous, responsible, cooperative and critically literate--should be done in communities and schools across the country, and this book shows how. The key ability of the human brain that cannot be digitized or mechanized is its ability to interpret—that is, to cope with the intentions of another, to understand what was said and what was meant. Humans have the ability to work together as a team toward a common goal (i.e. cooperate), to be altruistic and make sacrifices to help others, to build trust, and to feel empathy or sympathy—and robots do not. Developing and using these interpretive and cooperative skills is essential to having a nation of thoughtful citizens who are capable of seeing themselves as solutions to the problems and issues we face. Empowered Students: Educating Flexible Minds for a Flexible Future is a theory-to-practice story of how students at a segregated and failing New York City high school were released from years of oppressive schooling practices and learned how to practice freedom, told through the voices and the people who built it: the school leaders, teachers and students.

In school reform, students are rarely consulted. This book presents a step-by-step process for involving students in transforming schools and empowering them to make real decisions that affect their education.

Imagine a world where fairness and equality are not just ideals, but lived realities. This is the vision driving "Justice Reformed: Striving for a More Equitable and Just Society." This book delves into the complexities of our current justice system, exposing its flaws and highlighting the urgent need for reform. Through insightful analysis and compelling storytelling, "Justice Reformed" takes readers on a journey to understand the systemic issues that perpetuate injustice. From the impact of racial bias in sentencing to the challenges faced by marginalized communities, the book sheds light on the inequalities that plague our society. It goes beyond mere critique, offering a comprehensive roadmap for building a more equitable and just system. The book emphasizes the power of empathy and connection in driving change. It highlights the stories of individuals who have been directly affected by injustice, showcasing their resilience and determination. "Justice Reformed" emphasizes the need for a society that values compassion and understanding, advocating for policies that address the root causes of inequality. "Justice Reformed" offers practical solutions and strategies for creating a more just society. It explores innovative approaches to law enforcement, criminal justice reform, and community development, drawing on best practices from around the world. The book provides a framework for individuals, policymakers, and organizations to work collaboratively towards a shared goal of building a more equitable and just world. This book is a must-read for anyone who believes in a fairer and more equitable society. Whether you are a concerned citizen, a student of justice, or a professional working in the field, "Justice Reformed" will challenge your thinking, inspire your actions, and empower you to become an advocate for change. Join the movement for justice reform and contribute to building a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Winner of the 2023 Outstanding Book Award from AERA's Moral Development and Education SIG! In PRIMED for Character Education, renowned character educator Marvin W Berkowitz boils down decades of research on evidence-based practices and thought-provoking field experience into a clear set of principles that leaders, administrators, and teacher-leaders can implement to help students thrive. The author’s original six-component framework offers a comprehensive guide to shaping purposeful learning environments, healthy relationships, core values and virtues, role models, empowerment, and long-term development in any PreK-12 school or district. This engaging and heartfelt book features tips for practice, anecdotes from award-winning schools, and straightforward tenets from moral education, social-emotional learning, and positive psychology.

Conceived through collaboration by activist academics from Israel and Northern Ireland, this book draws from experience to offer practical and theoretical insights and programs for promoting activist pedagogy for shared learning and shared life in divided societies.