A critical review of research and reflection in the area of death, with special emphasis on death education. Thought-provoking, often controversial reviews of and reactions to the current general domain of death phenomena--specifically death education--are addressed in this book. The author, skeptical that we can do very much with the phenomenon of death and dying, especially in relation to our efforts at addressing it educationally, explores the philosophical, psychological, socio-cultural, and theoretical aspects and raises critical questions that will challenge proponents of death education. Both advocates and critics of death education in particular, and death research in general, will benefit from this intellectually stimulating volume that sounds a cautionary note, yet offers some positive suggestions for the future of death education. Professionals interested in any aspect of death education will be intrigued by this thorough examination of death education from several perspectives.

Discusses how school choice, misapplied standards of accountability, the No Child Left Behind mandate, and the use of a corporate model have all led to a decline in public education and presents arguments for a return to strong neighborhood schools and quality teaching.

The Death of Education The sad and shocking truth about the failure of our public schools to teach. One teacher fs experience. by Eric B. Olsen When I went into teaching over a decade ago my personal commitment was to do everything within my power to make sure my students had the most rigorous and beneficial educational experience possible. Unfortunately, I succeeded. In creating a new paradigm in the classroom, one that values analytical thought and an emphasis on true learning rather than rote memorization, I came in direct conflict with a public education system that doesn ft want teachers to teach and doesn ft want students to learn. But it fs not politicians and policy that are to blame. The real reason for the lack of teaching in today fs classrooms is as close as your neighborhood school: Parents, who know the system isn ft working but are willing to look the other way as long as their students are getting good grades. Administrators, failed teachers themselves, who are prevented by teacher fs unions from any meaningful assessment of teachers they purport to oversee. Teachers, conforming like sheep to decades of failed methodology without even realizing it is their own ineptitude that has caused the very lack of student intelligence and engagement they bemoan. The failure of education in our country is no secret, but a successful campaign of misdirection waged by educators themselves continues to keep us from understanding why. The Death of Education finally exposes the truth, shining a light inside public school classrooms that have been dark for far too long.

The Death of Character is a broad historical, sociological, and cultural inquiry into the moral life and moral education of young Americans based upon a huge empirical study of the children themselves. The children's thoughts and concerns-expressed here in their own words-shed a whole new light on what we can expect from moral education. Targeting new theories of education and the prominence of psychology over moral instruction, Hunter analyzes the making of a new cultural narcissism.

In the vein of Dr. Judy Melinek’s Working Stiff, an account of the hair-raising and heartbreaking cases handled by the coroner of Marin County, California throughout his four decades on the job—from high-profile deaths to serial killers, to Golden Gate Bridge suicides. Marin County, California is a study in contradictions. Its natural beauty attracts thousands of visitors every year, yet the county also is home to San Quentin Prison, one of the oldest and largest penitentiaries in the country. Marin ranks in the top one percent of counties nationwide in terms of affluence and overall health, yet it is far above the norm in drug overdoses and alcoholism, and comprises a large percentage of suicides from the Golden Gate Bridge. Ken Holmes worked in the Marin County Coroner’s Office for thirty-six years, starting as a death investigator and ending as the three-term, elected coroner. As he grew into the job—which is different from what is depicted on television—Holmes learned a variety of skills, from finding hidden clues at death scenes, interviewing witnesses effectively, managing bystanders and reporters, preparing testimony for court to notifying families of a death with sensitivity and compassion. He also learned about different kinds of firearms, all types of drugs—prescription and illegal—and about certain unexpected and potentially fatal phenomena such as autoeroticism. Complete with poignant anecdotes, The Education of a Coroner provides a firsthand and fascinating glimpse into the daily life of a public servant whose work is dark and mysterious yet necessary for society to function.

“Silin shows us how we culture ignorance in children and in each other by refusing to hear and respond to what they and we already know.” —From the Foreword by Madeleine Grumet “This book is not for the meek, because it talks straight from the heart—and from an educated and serious heart. Argue, disagree, get angry—but don’t ignore what Jonathan Silin is saying.” —Jonathan M. Mann, Harvard School of Public Health “Will play an important role in the current debate about what the ‘canon’ underlying early childhood education is and what it must be to equitably educate all children in the 21st century.” —Louise Derman-Sparks, Pacific Oaks College “Brings together a lifetime of advocacy and action—for children, for human rights, for people with HIV/AIDS, for gay men and lesbians—into a seamless argument for social justice, fairness, and respect for all people.” —William Ayers, University of Illinois at Chicago “The importance of Silin’s message for educators cannot be overstated.” —David M. Halperin, MIT