Tania Mouscardy-Johnson's book, When Apples aren't Enough, takes a hard look at the many changes implemented in education over the past two decades by examining the detrimental effects mandates, such as standardized testing and test-based teacher evaluation, have had on children and American public education. Shrouded as a children's book, Mouscardy-Johnson tells the story of Miss McCarthy, a teacher who is about to retire from her long journey as an educator as a result of the closing of her school. While she could possibly continue working as a sub in another building, Miss McCarthy sees the "writing on the wall" and believes that although she has loved teaching and has been enriched by her career, it is the time to step out of her role as teacher and to start working to save public education in America. Through the clever farewell visit of a former student, Chris, Miss McCarthy is able to "school" him about the hits education has taken from the policies implemented by the adoption of No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top. Naturally, Chris is outraged and shocked, admitting that he, like the general public, never realized the devastating impact these policies and other mandates were having on public education. The book also explores the importance of tenure, unions, and supporting public education. Tania Mouscardy-Johnson's book is powerful in its message to teachers, parents, and students everywhere. The author remains positive and firmly believes that American public education will continue to "meet the needs of America's children". Ginger Calderaro- Valley Stream Teachers' Association "...what's currently happening in education is not about being the best teacher, or even a good one." "It's about politics and very wealthy people in this country who are trying to privatize public education so that they can become even richer." "It truly is a heartbreak for those of us who believe in public education-especially those of us who have dedicated our lives to making a difference in the lives of children." "...even as parents and concerned individuals are becoming aware of what has been happening to our educational system and even with their voicing their opposition- especially with regard to what it is doing to our children emotionally, the testing movement is still going ahead at full speed under the pretext of 'fixing' public education." "People are forgetting that throughout history, schools have played a vital role in our society. As a matter of fact, that's been a little bit of a double-edged sword for us. People look to schools as a venue to fix many social issues. Unfortunately, educators are not given the freedom nor the resources to do so, and IT'S THE CHILDREN WHO SUFFER " ABOUT THE AUTHOR... Tania Mouscardy-Johnson P.D. Educational Administration M.A. Secondary English Education B.S. Secondary English Education/Business Communications Minor As a thirty year career educator who has enjoyed an outstanding and successful tenure at one of New York State's highly acclaimed school districts, Tania Mouscardy-Johnson is committed to children and excellence in education. She has served as an educational consultant for New York State Education Department on numerous committees and was a member of the New York State Regents' Standards Review Initiative, as well as the New York State Regents' Common Core Review Initiative. For the past twenty-five years, Ms. Mouscardy-Johnson has served and continues to serve as a NYSUT local representative, as well as on countless district-based committees. She is also the proud recipient of the PTSA Jenkins' Award for her dedication to her students and her profession. Although there are challenges to overcome, Ms. Mouscardy-Johnson whole-heartedly believes in the ability of American public education to meet the intellectual, emotional, social, and creative needs of America's children.
