Five essays by UW–Madison’s Michael W. Apple, the John Bascom Professor Emeritus of Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Policy Studies, were named among the “Best Reviews of the 21st Century” by Education Review, a journal devoted to essay reviews of important books in educational research, theory, policy, and practice.
Education Review highlighted Apple’s reviews of the following books:
“National Standards in American Education: A Citizen’s Guide” (2000)
In Apple’s review of Diane Ravitch’s book, he discusses how national standards influence teaching and education policy. He draws from his research on national curricula and testing, advising readers to see the book as a warning about the effects of education reforms that overlook the real-life challenges teachers and students face. Read this review.
“Chomsky on MisEducation” (2001)
In his review of Noam Chomsky’s book, Apple questions the belief that education is simply about passing knowledge from one person to another. He argues that standardized testing and market-driven policies ignore the links between knowledge and power, preventing meaningful education reform. Read this review.
“Education and Poverty in Affluent Countries” (2011)
In his review of this publication, which Apple titled “Policy for the Poor and Poor Education Policy,” he examines the relationship between education and poverty in wealthy nations. Apple suggests that policies aimed at reducing educational inequality often end up reinforcing existing social and economic gaps rather than closing them. Read this review.
“Public Education Under Siege” (2013)
In this review, titled “Being Clear and Speaking Back,” Apple analyzes how the book edited by Michael Katz and Mike Rose defends public education against market-oriented reforms and right-wing attacks. He encourages readers to face the serious challenges that public education is currently experiencing. Read this review.
“Homeschooling: The history and the philosophy of a controversial practice” (2020)
In his review, titled “Homeschooling, Democracy, and Regulation,” Apple explores how new forms of home-based education that emerged during the health crisis can create fresh chances for parents to get involved and hold schools accountable. Read this review.
See the full list of Education Review’s outstanding essay reviews.