Horace Mann's Vision of the Public Schools

From the rise of vocational education to the more recent controversies over charter schools and 'No Child Left Behind,' Hayes places his survey of American public education within the context of Horace Mann's seminal vision of the common school. In the process, his account reminds us that many of the vexing problems and spirited debates about our schools originated in the challenges Mann faced while forging a system of public education in the nineteenth century. As the architect of American public education, Mann strove for schools capable of meeting the needs of a diverse and rapidly changing American society. His successes and limitations provide an instructive window through which to better understand both recent issues and the enduring challenges of public education in a complex and contested democratic society. -- Dr. Richard L. Hughes, assistant professor of History, Illinois State University
If what George Santayana said is true, 'Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it' ,then William Hayes' book on Horace Mann is worth the read. Hayes gives us not only a good understanding through Mann's own words, of how and why we should support public education in America, but how Mann may stand on many of today's issues. -- Bob Pettapiece, assistant professor & coordinator, Social Studies Education-Middle Level Education, Wayne State University
For good or ill, Horace Mann's vision of a tax-supported public school available to all children, has remarkably withstood the test of time. In each chapter Mr. Hayes traces where we have deviated from that vision (such as No Child Left Behind) and where we have remained true (such as improving teacher education)...Horace Mann's vision developed over 150 years ago is still relevant and represents many of the educational dilemmas we are still coping with today...Mr. Hayes traces that vision and shows, with research, how we have succeeded and failed. -- Patricia A. Schmuck, professor emeritus, Lewis and Clark College
Hayes argues that at their core, the concepts about public education Horace Mann endorsed 150 years ago still hold true. Mann held public schools should be nonsectarian but teach a common morality, be locally managed but state regulated, and be tax-supported and free while providing equal educational opportunities to all children. * Reference and Research Book News *
Horace Mann's Vision does succinctly summarize current controversies in education including technology, school finance, and No Child Left Behind, and the writing is informed. * Educational Horizons *
In this time of uncertainty for our nation's public school, William Hayes' fine book reminds us of the potential still present in this often forsaken American institution. He juxtaposes the ideas of Horace Mann with some of our most vexing problems, providing a nuanced understanding of class, race, and federal controls. -- Marybeth Gasman Ph.D, Professor; Director, Penn Center for Minority-Serving Institutions Higher Education Division Graduate School of Education, University of Pennsylvania