The Science of the Obvious

In this exciting new, two-volume trek, Bausell introduces us—with insight and levity—to diverse genres of unproductive research. Happily, he also tosses us several solution strategies to make our schools sparkle. -- Dr. W. James Popham, professor emeritus, UCLA and former president of the American Educational Research Association (AERA)
Dr. Bausell provides an insightful and long overdue summary and critique of educational research, which, in addition to upsetting the status quo, should inform decisions made by academics, professionals, administrators, and policymakers alike. -- Harold Murai, professor emeritus, College of Education, Sacramento State University
In this volume, Barker Bausell effectively captures and demystifies the real crises in education: the myths, lies, legends, and fads (e.g., the validity of value-added models used to evaluate teachers) proliferated and perpetuated by politicians, the public, the media, philanthrocapitalists, and education “experts,” all of whom claim dominance over those with less power (e.g., educators in schools) who work first hand, and daily, with the real crises impacting America’s school-aged children. -- Audrey Amrein-Beardsley, PhD, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University
Barker Bausell’s orientation toward education research and practice is consistent with his other body of work: careful analysis, removal of poetic distraction from science, with a dash of logical positivism. His desire is not to tear down education research—but rather to help build a better applied scientific foundation. Indeed, various applied sciences are directed by political and financial motives as well as by a desire to understand a topic and, in this case, help people learn better. Sometimes other motives are barriers to improvement. He illustrates misdirected efforts and effective direction, using logic, systematic empirical summary, aspects of philosophy of science, and honesty. -- Steve Sussman, professor, Preventive Medicine, Psychology, and Social Work, University of Southern California