From Arts, Beauty and Character to the Zen of Education, this book takes readers on an alphabetic tour through the attributes that could revive schools as we know them. It reminds us that a school's worth lies not in its test scores or sports records, but in the health of its community.

From Arts, Beauty and Character to the Zen of Education, author and internationally acclaimed music teacher Doug Goodkin takes us on an alphabetic tour through the attributes that could revive all schools as we know them. Drawing from his teaching experience at one remarkable school and his work with teachers throughout the world, Goodkin reminds us that a school's worth lies not in its test scores or sports records, but in the health of its community and its ability to keep the unbridled curiosity of six-year-olds burning throughout their entire school experience.These essays range from practical advice (What to do when your preschool class takes off running down the hall) to biting satire (Xylophones mandated in every classroom!) to tender reflections (45 years later, an answer to a note his elementary school teacher wrote to him). Teachers, parents, administrators and students alike will find ample food for thought in this provocative look at the ways in which today's schools are failing our children, and what teachers can do to restore the promise of education.