An Education

Diane Ravitch’s telling of her remarkable journey—from a child of working-class immigrants to one of the most vital national education treasures and leaders—tells us so much about her unwavering support for public education and its role in our society. That would be beautiful enough, but the second thrill is how she brings her curiosity—an essential trait we nurture in students—to question her own views and change her mind. The result is this clarion call to protect and strengthen public schooling in America as the foundation of our young people—and our democracy. If you care about the future, read this book. – Randi Weingarten, former president of the American Federation of Teachers‘Diane Ravitch’ is a synonym for integrity. From school reformers’ darling to their harshest critic, she has viewed K-12 policy from both sides now. Part delicious personal autobiography and part travelogue across the political spectrum, this book will entrance anyone interested in how a truly open-minded expert came to denounce our test-driven education regime. – Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated AmericaThe stirring life story of a true patriot and hero in the struggle for good schools for all, An Education is a must-read to see how liberating it can be to rethink long-held beliefs when evidence proves them wrong. This riveting and honest reckoning gives me hope. – Nancy MacLean, author of Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for AmericaWith her unmistakable gift for narrative and the precision of a historian, Diane Ravitch—award-winning writer, fearless advocate, and unflinching truth-teller—invites readers into the richly layered story behind her public life. With grace, clarity, and rare courage, she traces her personal and intellectual evolution—owning past missteps and revealing the intimate experiences that shaped her convictions. More than a memoir, this is a testament to integrity, growth, and the enduring power of speaking truth to power. – Yohuru Williams, distinguished university chair, professor of history, and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. ThomasIn this compelling story, we join the odyssey that transformed Diane Ravitch from a Jewish kid in Texas to an idealistic New York educator who saw how poverty affects education. Her insights have been transformative, compelling educators to recognize how the circumstances of children’s lives shape their experiences in school. – Margaret Jacob, author of The Secular EnlightenmentA brave, candid, fascinating, and touching tale of finding and telling the truth! Extraordinarily inspiring. – Yong Zhao, coauthor of Duck and Cover: Confronting and Correcting Dubious Practices in Education

Diane Ravitch is a historian of education and a prominent commentator about education and politics. Her many books include Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America’s Public Schools (2013); The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education (2010); and The Great School Wars: New York City, 1805-1973 (1974). Ravitch was assistant secretary of education under President George H. W. Bush and served on the national testing board during the Clinton administration. She is cofounder and president of the Network for Public Education.