Renegade Teacher: The story of a unique project-based, informal learning experiment; what happened in the classroom and what become of the kids over the next 40 years. (Bk-1 of 2)

What happens when outdated curriculum that isn't working is replaced with immersing the kids in an informal, project-based learning environment, empowering fourth through sixth graders to learn at their own pace, focusing on their own areas of interest.
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Now, imagine trying it with kids other teachers had given up on. Then mix in some troublemakers, along with some kid who were bright, but bored - in need of a good challenge. Then immerse this rag-tag group in the same project based, informal learning environment as before. It it a great step forward or a ticket for disaster?
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This experimental learning program actually occurred in the 1970s. It was it was the brain child of two men; one a renegade teacher who, himself, been a “damaged” student, struggling with his own dyslexia before the condition was recognized; the other, an optimistic school superintendent who was intrigued with the idea of teaching problem-solving, and life skills to kids through the use of experiential learning, instead of teaching them facts, figures and subject matter just for testing.
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Fast-paced stories of classroom projects run amok, as students and teacher alike, face their inner demons. This story will warm your heart and entertain you. Plus it will provide food for thought on reaching kids through a program of informal, project based, learning, before they lose their love of learning, fall prey to negative peer groups, and dropout.
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Find out what they did in this experiential classroom, and what became of the kids 40 years later.
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Editorial Reviews

From "Readers Favorite" publication. Reviewer Jack Mangus'
5 Star Review
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Anyone reading this book will probably wish they had been lucky enough to land in Mr. Smith's class. The photos in "Renegade Teacher" show students who are involved, active and having a great time. There are no rows of children sitting quietly with their hands folded neatly on their desks as one finds all too often in traditional classroom settings. The results are shared in this funny, heartwarming memoir, by Duane Smith and was written 40 years after the fact.

I found this book hard to put down and sat up all night reading it with a smile on my face. It is a great story, and it is written in an engaging conversational style, which, combined with the classroom's and students' photos, almost made this reader feel as though he were there. I highly recommend "Renegade Teacher," and will be looking for the sequel that tells what happens to the kids over the 40 years after they left Mr. Smith's class.
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what 2 Amazon Reviewers said about Renegade Teacher, Amazon’s #1 best seller in 3 Categories
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Refreshing April 29, 2013
By AndreaFromMedford
Format:Paperback
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Enjoyed every minute of this book. Recommended by a friend, it was "refreshing" to see how children can blossom when given the room to do so. I work with elementary children everyday as a teacher. I have seen the lights go on and off depending upon how a teacher approaches each child.
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5 out of 5 stars
Read the Magic! May 13, 2013
By Peggy Hill
Format:Paperback Verified Purchase
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This book is a must read for every educator. I laughed. I cried. The old adage; "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink." is true with our students today. We make our children go to school but we can't make them learn. Mr. Smith using unorthodox methods instilled in his students a thirst to learn, explore and think. These students were able to trust and believe in themselves.
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Buy 2 copies today, one for your self, and one for someone you know who will enjoy it.