Too Far from Perfect: A Father-Daughter Conversation about Public Education

"While this is a personal journal of just two people, it feels familiar. We see ourselves as students recalling those teachers that have faded from memory-for some, good riddance, for others, the memory of a teacher who may have turned your life around is indelible. While these personal connections stoke memories, the reader gradually gets introduced into bigger policy matters. Enjoy it. Learn from it. Act on it." - Michael Fullan, OC. Professor Emeritus, OISE, University of Toronto Too Far from Perfect is based on the reflections of a Toronto high school student about her learning journey from pre-school to grade 12. Through a dialogue with her father, educator Charles Pascal, Tai Notar describes the lessons learned about what has made the big difference to her learning and the educational aspirations of her peers. While Tai's focus in on catching teachers and others doing things right, her narrative also calls attention to things that need to change. In this regard, Tai provides some provocative ideas about how public education can move closer to perfect. This father-daughter conversation is a must read for teachers and parents who believe that we need to listen more carefully to the authentic stories of our children and students.