ABSTRACT
Despite remarkable invention and innovation in American history during the past 50 years, public education is the focus of heated criticism. The basic controversy is the public perception of eroding quality of education and declining achievement of American students. Although the severity, and even reality, of this crisis has been contested (Berliner & Biddle, 1997), politicians have used comparative achievement-test data to argue that too many American students are unprepared for the technological and scientific challenges of the 21st century. The attributions of blame are widespread, including the usual suspects of parents, teachers, and poverty, and the calls for reform have been equally strong and diverse. Amidst this churning sea of educational criticisms and wishful thinking for speedy reforms, there are baffled parents and frustrated teachers searching for the nearest and best lifeboats for their students. The current popularity of summer school is one of these lifeboats.
