American Psychology & Schools: A Critique

Dr. Sarason pulls no punches in this searing critique of American psychology and its current and historical disinterest in our schools. This book explains why psychology's continued aloofness impoverishes the field and prevents it from capitalizing upon its potential to serve the public welfare. He describes how, after World War II, American psychology took steps to respond to societal needs but rebuffed efforts to include the improvement of schools.

Bringing his discussion completely up to date, Dr. Sarason includes two extended chapters about the Columbine incident—why psychologists offered few conclusions concerning what those killings signified about schools in general and high schools in particular. He also criticizes test developers for their failure to seek and prevent school personnel from interpreting and using tests in ways that negatively affect students.

Co-published by Teachers College Press.

Preface

1. The Aim and Plan of the Book
2. Basic and Applied Psychology: A Non-Symbiotic Relationship
3. The Boulder Conference: American Psychology at a Choice Point
4. American Psychology, the Man From Mars, and Columbine High School
5. Columbine High School and Contexts of Productive Learning
6. Contexts of Testing and Contexts of Learning
7. Standards, Tests, and the Current School Scene
8. Schools and the Values and Cultures of Higher Education
9. G. Stanley Hall, Lightner Witmer, William James, and John Dewey
10. An Imaginary Course in Religion

References

About the Author