I would give this 3.5 stars, if possible. The practical ideas make it more than a 3. Although Ron Clark's hyperdrive approach to teaching as life is not one I can fully pick up at this point in my life, he has many good ideas in this book that can be used or adapted to fit into my teaching, and his examples are usually inspiring. Learning that he sometimes he takes days 'off' where he does the minimum to recharge was really good for me to find out. I would give this three stars

Teachers, I would read the entire book, and take any ideas that sounded like they would work. There is a section that addresses administrators that I am thinking of taking copious notes from and leaving them where my administrator can find them.

Parents, I would skim the book, and pay attention to places where he specifically addresses parents and things they can do. Most of the book is about teaching, really, so a parent could get a little bored in spots.
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I had the pleasure of meeting Mr.Clark in 2005. He was a speaker in the county where I worked. He gave some very valuable advice as his book provides even more on how to motivate students. ( )

Amazon review. They are mixed.

http://www.amazon.com/review/product/1401308031/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?%5Fenco...

Clark is a wild, weird performer. His book cannot compare to his "stage show," but the stories he uses to illustrate his values are pretty good. ( )