There Are No Shortcuts

By Rafe Esquith

Year after year, Rafe Esquith’s fifth-grade students excel. They read passionately, far above their grade level; tackle algebra; and stage Shakespeare so professionally that they often wow the great Shakespearen actor himself, Sir Ian McKellen. Yet Esquith teaches at an L.A. innercity school known as the Jungle, where few of his students speak English at home, and many are from poor or troubled families. What’s his winning recipe? A diet of intensive learning mixed with a lot of kindness and fun. His kids attend class from 6:30 A.M. until well after 4:00 P.M., right through most of their vacations. They take field trips to Europe and Yosemite. They play rock and roll. Mediocrity has no place in their classroom. And the results follow them for life, as they go on to colleges such as Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford.
Possessed by a fierce idealism, Esquith works even harder than his students. As an outspoken maverick of public education (his heroes include Huck Finn and Atticus Finch), he admits to significant mistakes and heated fights with administrators and colleagues. We all—teachers, parents, citizens—have much to learn from his candor and uncompromising vision.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Nov 19, 2008
• ISBN: 9780307491800

Reviews for There Are No Shortcuts

[librolindsay · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I found this book really inspirational when I was in a slump while earning my teacher certification. Esquith is living proof that kids in at-risk environments don't have to suffer in their education--it just requires sweat and dedication. It would be hard to believe his accomplishments over the years if I didn't, well, believe him. If I can be half as successful in the classroom as he is, I will be a very fortunate teacher. Watch The Hobart Shakespeareans for a nice complement to this book.

[debnance_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Esquith was teaching in a school heeuphemistically calls Camelot whenhe had a life-changing moment andmade the move to a school he refersto as the Jungle. Hehas been wildly successful there by,primarily, making the students inhis classes work hard. I've spent timein Camelot, too, but that was many yearsago. Lately, I find myself thinking aboutgoing back into the schools. I've alwayswanted to teach in the Jungle(go figure!), soit was good timing to read this accountof Esquith's difficulties and successes.

[montano_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very inspiring read. An iconoclast who rocks the foundation of the school system. It's easy to see why he disturbs people and the system. Esquith reminds us that we are almost all capable of more and better and this reminder stings the lazy and complacent. We get defensive instead of reflective. Like many great people, he probably will suffer more disdain than praise in the long run. Great book for any teacher, parent or thoughtful person!

[fourborne · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Loved it, Hated it. I loved his ideas and concepts, but how do you write about yourself without sounding arrogant. This line can be easily crossed. I read this book to inspire me to work harder with my own children.