In Forsaken Hands

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Widespread illiteracy and the failure to address it at the primary and secondary school levels galvanized Rosow into experimenting with her theory that learners must be taught individually, that a single method cannot be imposed on every student. The author, who teaches education at the University of Southern California, drew on the local population: residents of housing projects, welfare mothers, gang members and children who were apparently materially cared for but who were educationally neglected. Her case studies document remarkable changes; the students design their own programs and learn to control their emotions. Among Rosow's findings is the common thread of child abuse as a source of illiteracy. This exposition of theory will be of interest primarily to those involved in literacy programs. (June)