Reviews

Adequate Yearly Progress by Roxanna Elden

katherine_f16's review against another edition

4.0

This is a must read for all of my teacher friends, or for anyone who wants to know what it's really like to be on the other side of the desk. There are no teachers who are heroes, who are "winning." All of the character teachers are just trying to do their jobs against a steady push of demands and obstacles. The different viewpoints were a great idea, because every teacher's experience is unique. However, it did affect the character development a bit. Also, I would have liked more exploration into the celebrity superintendent. It seems like that story line was forgotten in the second half of the book. Those small shortcomings aside, I did highly enjoy this book!

smiley938's review against another edition

5.0

I wasn't expecting much but I actually really enjoyed this book. I'd definitely read more from this author.

arthur_pendrgn's review against another edition

2.0

Not quite sure about this book. There's a lot of realism in this book, yet it ends up doing exactly what those movies the author criticizes do--everything works out for the best and everyone is rewarded in some way. Although I suppose the realism is supposed to elicit a rueful laugh from teachers, I'm uncertain that it does for those not experienced with this career field. It perpetuates myths about education and stereotypes of teachers that those not in the field use to attack public schools. It's been a long 18 months in education and I didn't find this as funny as the book cover promised.

peyton_vernon's review against another edition

I thought it was boring and the description doesn’t match the vibes it gives off 

chemwiz77's review against another edition

2.0

I feel like this book written in satire just tried to put too many issues in one place. Was the author trying to address race issues? If she was, it was too glib. Why Nex Level? What was the point of that story line at all? I just didn’t see it was necessary and the main character didn’t “evolve” bc of it. It seemed that also was kind of a dumb thing to have an argument about and never talk again. But she was hung up on him? Really? As a teacher, I see and appreciate the ridiculousness of data driven decisions and all of the other issues teachers are directed to deal with. That is why this got a 2* instead of 1*. I pretty much drug through the book bc my friend wanted me to read it. It missed the mark all around for me.

shainnap's review

5.0

If you are a teacher, you should read this. It's spot-on, laugh out loud funny at some times, and others, a frustrating reflection of what our education system is really like. Some things that are satirized don't have to be changed that much because the demands and changes made on teachers each year really are that ridiculous. If you're not a teacher, you won't really "get" it the same way. I could pick out teachers I'd worked with who were like the characters in the book.

I laughed and showed so many passages to my co-workers and to my family members who are teachers. It was a very engaging and enjoyable book. I'll be buying copies for my teacher friends next Christmas (if I don't make them all read it before then).

ddalonzo1's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

kaykarlin's review against another edition

funny informative slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

decent characters, very realistic description of teachers/schools, but overall not a very fun read! 

arcielle's review against another edition

funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

carolinegarza's review against another edition

1.0

This book stressed me out so much. It highlights the politics, financial difficulties, and state pressure in schools to form the humor. However, as a title one teacher all of these stresses are real. I kept reading hoping it would get better, but it did not.