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Book review of Fighting to Save Our Urban Schools ... and Winning! Lessons from Houston, by Donald R. McAdams

Donald McAdams has made three contributions to modern American urban education. First, he has served three terms on the school board of the Houston Independent School District (HISD), one of America’s largest and most challenging school districts. Second, he has written about it. And how he has written! McAdams’ prose is remarkable for its clarity and stunning frankness. He names names throughout—superintendents, board members, union presidents, businessmen—none escape his assessment. He forwards his recollections, and documents the majority of them. Honest people of diverse persuasions, whether from Houston or Harvard, may disagree with some of McAdams’ assertions, but I would be surprised if anyone would dispute that the author has put forth his honest recollections and perceptions. In writing so frankly, this two-time chairman of the HISD board has given an invaluable gift to all of educational reform: He has explained the political and policy workings of one big-city board. McAdams neither overstates nor obfuscates his views. He ran for school board to bring reform to Houston’s schools. He assesses that he and fellow reformers made some progress, although less than they had assumed was possible. He admits he made mistakes, and knows he grew on the job. Discussing three different superintendents, he offers both praise and reservations. Discussing his own party’s actions relative to HISD, McAdams is unflinchingly direct. McAdams not only dispenses facts, he stretches to find meaning and wisdom. He served on boards that were able to form unions with superintendents, and on boards that were not. He concludes that the lack of implicit trust, coupled with an JOURNAL OF EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS PLACED AT RISK, 6(4), 445–446 Copyright © 2001, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.