Ron Clark's "The Essential 55" is more of a road map than a how-to. After reading his book, I tried to implement several of his ideas into my own classroom. Some worked, some didn't, but I assumed that it was more user-error than bad idea. Like most classroom resources, not everything works for everyone. Ron Clark provides a good jumping off point, and while his ideas may not please everyone, his personal success makes it something to at least consider. ( )

I thoroughly dislike this book. Yes, most of the rules themselves are good. Yes, I have applied some of them in my teaching. But the way that he implements them, and his attitude towards his students, struck me as demeaning. ( )

Some of the rules are certainly essential and the author gives nice examples of how to implement them; it would be interesting to observe his classroom. However, many of the rules were too specific or not really "rules" per se (like having kids ready to set up an overhead at a moments notice - interesting technique, but not an essential rule that would be generally applicable). Some of the anecdotes were entertaining, but I often felt like the stories were there to flaunt the authors various accolades. Overall, I think most teachers - especially new teachers - would find this book interesting and useful. ( )

Famed educator Ron Clark originally agreed to teach for North Carolina solely because of a program which would pay for his college tuition if he agreed to do so. His first classroom was a troubled group of elementary students who had already run through a slew of teachers by midyear. After becoming very well respected in rural North Carolina, Clark stunned family and friends by deciding to move on to a different set of challenges and teach in Harlem, New York. To deal with difficult students and situations, Clark developed 55 rules to help students achieve to their highest potential. A few of these rules include, “if you are asked a question in conversation, ask a question in return,” “do not show disrespect with gestures,” “know other teachers’ names and greet them in the hall by name,” and “do not bring Doritos into the school building.” While all of these rules are used in his classroom, their goal is prepare students for later life as well.

Quote: “Kids are kids, and many actions that may seem like common sense to us will seem foreign to them.”

This book contains many helpful tips for working with children. While many of the same concepts will work will for children (and people!) of every age, the advice is specific to elementary school. There are many traditional bits of wisdom, such as giving students praise, using rewards, structure, and organization, as well as some untraditional methods, such as scolding students in front of the rest of the class (although the peers are not permitted to look at the student being punished), and taking students on class trips to basketball games and the movies. It is a good book of ideas for teachers and others who work with students, even if just because Clark encourages people to read his rules, but them come up with the ideas that will work best for them. ( )

Obviously Ron Clark is a very successful teacher. What he does works for him and probably some others as well. I think all teachers should read it because there is some good stuff in there. The 55 rules are excessive by any standard, but I think it's more about creating the right learning environment and attitude, which he seems to do very well. It's one of those books where you take what works for you and leave the rest. ( )