The Great Expectations School: A Rookie Year in the New Blackboard Jungle | 
| Author: Dan Brown
Creator: Randi Weingarten
Publisher: Arcade Publishing
Category: Book
List Price: $13.99
Buy New: $7.74
You Save: $6.25 (45%)
New (24) Used (5) from $7.74
Avg. Customer Rating:  16 reviews
Sales Rank: 59443
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 292
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 5.6 x 0.9
ISBN: 1559708859
Dewey Decimal Number: 370
EAN: 9781559708852
Publication Date: October 10, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: BRAND NEW
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Product Description
At 22, Dan Brown was an idealistic first-year elementary teacher at P.S. 85 in the Bronx. He was even assigned a class of his own: 4-217. What he wasnOt told was that 4-217 was the dumping ground for all fourth-grade problem cases, and his students would be more challenging than he ever anticipated. Dedicated and passionate but up against volatile children, absent parents, and a failing administration, Dan was pushed to the limit time and again. Yet in this seeming chaos, he discovered an unexpected well of inspiration to discipline, teach, and make a difference. THE GREAT EXPECTATIONS SCHOOL is the touching journey of Class 4-217 and their teacher, Mr. Brown. But more than that, it is the revealing story of a broken educational system and all those struggling within and fighting against it.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 11 more reviews...
 A Job Well Done October 10, 2008
Speaking as a fellow teacher, I applaud Mr. Brown's efforts in his classroom. I especially liked it when he admitted his mistakes - nothing worse than a teacher book where the teacher ALWAYS succeeds 'cause that's not reality. Mr. Brown writes in an engaging manner that reminded me of Tracey Kidder's Among School Children. I do disagree with Mr. Brown on how to solve the inner city crisis - actually, I don't have a solution but I do know that until the parents of these children make better choices, no amount of money or "desegregation" will erase the problems these children face. Put the responsibility where it belongs and quite blaming everyone and anything else, or nothing will ever get better. Alibi Ike!
 VERY very good book. I definitely recommend September 13, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The Great Expectations was REALLY interesting to read. It went quickly (I finished it in 2 days.) I've recommended it to everyone I know--- I think every responsible citizen should read this story, but especially people who are becoming teachers. It should be required reading. An unblinking look at the reality of life in a tough school: the blood, sweat, tears, laughs, and life-changing rewards. Thank you Mr. Brown!
And Sonandia, you are a true hero!
A "Must Read" for Teachers in Urban Schools September 6, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
As a teacher and administrator who has worked in urban schools for almost thirty years, I was amazed at how Dan Brown's experiences and his roller coaster of emotions resonated with me. While I entered the profession at a different time, I always wonder how new teachers like Dan Brown are able to walk into one of today's urban classrooms and teach with confidence and skill. With candor, and at times with humor, Dan Brown's memoir captures the sad truth of public education in urban districts. Kudos to all those teachers and administrators who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of the children who attend these schools, in spite of all the internal and external obstacles. Thank you, Dan Brown, for writing about your experience as "a rookie teacher in the blackboard jungle."
Singing in the Rain June 2, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
You gotta sing as you kick them, that's the message of the 20th century. The low expectations of the "Great Expectations School" stand out, but the author persuades us that all is not lost. This author goes a long way toward adding some realism back into the great fantasy known as "all children can learn." When you stop laughing at that, let the author's humor take you even further into the nightmare of public education. Wit is one of the first things to go when you enter this profession. Brown's possession of it is the first sign that this guy wasn't born to be a teacher but rather an observer and commentator. So be it, his astute observations bring out the best and the worst of finest prison system known to man, the New York Public Schools.
 BEWARE!!!!!!! January 24, 2008
5 out of 20 found this review helpful
Beware this is not Dan Brown the auther of "The Da Vinci Code". Different people!!!!!!!!!
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