Reading Howard Good's latest book, Inside the Board Room, is an education in itself. Humorous, provocative, touching, and philosophical, the 20 essays in this book will open eyes to what really goes on in the classroom and on the school board. Good draws on his extensive experience to examine some of the hottest educational issues including school reform, civic education, the function of honor societies, the decline of reading and writing skills, the role of guidance counselors, and the effectiveness of school boards. Readers may not always agree with his perspective, but they will always be enlightened by it. Whether writing about the perils of standardized testing or the challenges of board service, the author's prose is as fresh as the start of a new school year. Inside the Board Room isn't an abstract treatise, instead it is that rare thing among education books-quick, lively, and down to earth. In the tone of a good friend with a sharp sense of humor, Good shares stories of his experiences as a board member, a teacher, and a parent. This is a book for anyone who has ever taught, served on a school board, or simply tried to raise a well-rounded child. Its mixture of practical advice, moral inspiration, and wry humor will leave a lasting impression.