"Creates a picture of the life of the modern suburban teenager more vivid and revealing than any I have seen." James S. Coleman, Professor of Sociology and Education, University of Chicago "Candid, insightful observations of high school students on their experience in school. Must-reading for educators." William H. Schubert, Author and Professor of Education, University of Illinois, Chicago Enlightening, frightening, and humorous. Do you really understand what it's like to be a high school student? Can you put yourself in a student's place? Welcome to Our World lets you see your school from your students' points of view. Listen to what they have to say in their own words about what works (and what doesn't) in your school. This book will teach you to * Understand the complexities of students' lives * Develop closer working relationships between students and educators * Better prepare students for life after high school * Engage students in your school reform efforts * Remake your school into the learning community it was designed to be Find out about the different realities involved in education: the organization's, the educators', and the students'. Learn how your students' realities affect their learning and their lives. Hear real-life students describe what it's like to cram academics, sports, social activities, part-time jobs, family responsibilities, and homework into their days. Alternately thoughtful, funny, eloquent, and sad, these stories written by actual high school students will illuminate your students' lives.