Giving Wings to Children’s Dreams

"Giving Wings to Children’s Dreams is not only a refreshing read with original views on the state of our schools and the efforts of our teachers, but it provides a ‘just in time’ prescription for bringing sanity back into education reform." -- Sheila Gragg, Assistant Director of Academics
"In page after page, any public educator will recognize that this is written by someone who understands and articulates our frustrations, but more importantly our dreams of ′making our schools worthy of our children.′" -- The School Administrator, June 2011
"The author’s ability to breathe humor into a serious topic such as school reform and truly reaching our children is a mark of genius." -- Seidah Ashshaheed, Principal
"Throughout the book, Houston keeps his focus firmly on students. Each time he picks up a new strand of the educational debate, he re-centers the reader on the students’ experience. This book has the potential to re-center our national conversation on education policy by examining professional issues through powerful personal experience." -- Kathleen Cushman, Author, Fires in the Mind
"This book provides real-life examples of what can be done. We have enough data about what is wrong with our schools. Through practical experiences, Houston describes possibilities for students and schools. The integration of learning theory, leadership, and organizational development creates hope. Yes, positive change can be accomplished, and this book provides some excellent ways to support students and staff in the pursuit of learning." -- William Sommers, Director of Learning Alternatives
"As an experienced teacher and administrator, I found myself moved, inspired, and motivated to do whatever it takes to provide meaningful learning experiences for all children." -- Roberto A. Pamas, Principal
"Paul Houston throws a huge roadblock in the way of test-driven bean counters with this coldly realistic yet uplifting new course to school improvement. He challenges us to harness the know-how and capacity of the nation’s educators and communities to transform our schools.” -- John Wilson, Executive Director
“Giving Wings to Children’s Dreams combines doable, concrete strategies to transform our schools with that rare commodity—common sense—and Houston does this with literary grace and style.” -- Anne L. Bryant, Executive Director
"By reminding us that education is more a matter of the heart than the head and that possibility outweighs performance, Houston succeeds in giving wings to dreams of educators everywhere – uplifting students to their highest potential and letting them fly." -- Gail Connelly, Executive Director
"Integration of 21st century skills and, especially, the use of technology in establishing Houston′s model for schools illustrates his holistic and timely approach to reform." -- Patty Minrovic