The Prize, Dale Russakoff
The Prize, Dale Russakoff
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The Prize
Who's in Charge of America's Schools?

Author: Dale Russakoff

Narrator: Pete Cross

Unabridged: 8 hr 28 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/08/2015

Categories: Nonfiction, Education


Synopsis

When Mark Zuckerberg announced in front of a cheering Oprah audience his $100 million pledge to transform the Newark Schools - and to solve the education crisis in every city in America - it looked like a huge win for then-mayor Cory Booker and governor Chris Christie. But their plans soon ran into a constituency not so easily moved - Newark's key education players, fiercely protective of their billion-dollar-per-annum system. It's a prize that, for generations, has enriched seemingly everyone, except Newark's students. Expert journalist Dale Russakoff delivers a story of high ideals and hubris, good intentions and greed, celebrity and street smarts - as reformers face off against entrenched unions, skeptical parents, and bewildered students.

About Dale Russakoff

Dale Russakoff is a veteran reporter who spent twenty-eight years at the Washington Post covering presidential campaigns, education, the economy, and other breaking topics.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Thomas

3.5 stars I did learn things from this book, namely how poorly many students in urban school districts are faring due to a system that doesn’t properly invest in them. Dale Russakoff’s writing was solid, intelligent, and readable and she portrayed well how big philanthropy, politicians and administra......more

Goodreads review by John

I read this for my grad school class on policy analysis (as a case study in mismanagement and lack of clear lines of accountability). It was a nuanced, entertaining, and incredibly pertinent lens into the topic. I consistently interested in the different stories Russakoff weaves together -- especial......more

Goodreads review by Kressel

When Mark Zuckerberg’s hundred million dollar gift to the Newark schools was announced, I was thrilled. I love philanthrocapitalism and social entrepreneurship. I was looking forward to follow up coverage of the schools’ progress. With a hundred million dollars, how could they fail? But apparently,......more