Diane Tavenner - Prepared: What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life

In Prepared, Diane makes a powerful argument that success shouldnt be reserved for a lucky few. She clearly shows how all children can be successful, providing useful insights for how parents and schools can foster self-direction, collaboration, and reflectionthe skills our children need to find purpose and fulfillment in their lives. I truly believe this is required reading for any parent or educator who is committed to developing self-sufficient children who can thrive as adults.

ANGELA COBB , CEO of FirstGen Partners

Prepared is for parents and students who are fed up with the high-stakes college admissions arms race. This book brilliantly shows how all kids can succeed in college, find a meaningful career, and live a fulfilled life.

SCOTT BARRY KAUFMAN , psychologist at Columbia University and author of Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined

Diane Tavenners courageous book, Prepared, is an intimate portrait of Summit schoolstheir leaders, teachers, and childrenputting into practice the science of learning and human development where environments and relationships drive the development of the brain. It is a roadmap by a passionate leader for anyone who sees the purpose of schooling as unleashing the potential of each and every child.

PAMELA CANTOR , MD , founder of Turnaround for Children and partner of Science of Learning and Development Initiative

Prepared is a roadmap for teachers, principals, parents, and even students that paves the way for every child to reach adulthood and to thrive. Interweaving personal and professional anecdotes of how students navigate the terrain, Diane offers a new and engaging version of high school that prepares every child for college and for a fulfilled life.

PRISCILLA WOHLSTETTER , Distinguished Research Professor, Teachers College, Columbia University

Prepared is the conversation we should be having as a nation. In this book, Diane Tavenner shows us how authentic, real-world learning and the essential skills of self-direction, collaboration, and reflection can be nurtured both inside and outside of the classroom, giving all parents a valuable guide for helping their children to successfully take on lifes challenges.

LINDA DARLING-HAMMOND , Professor Emeritus, Stanford University, and president of the Learning Policy Institute

Prepared tackles the question so many of us parents and educators are grappling withhow do we grow and develop our children and young people so that they can shape a better future for themselves, and for all of us? This immensely readable book pulls us along through Dianes story as a student, parent, and educator who has built some of the most acclaimed schools in the world. It serves as a powerful resource for all of us.

WENDY KOPP , cofounder and CEO of Teach For All

This is a compelling and spot-on book from one of the fields most innovative experts. Tavenner wont rest until schools (and society) give young people what they need to thrive, and after reading this book you wont be able to either.

DAVID YEAGER , associate professor of psychology at the University of Texas

Getting students ready for a resilient, fulfilled, and happy life requires educators to think about more than just test scoresit requires a fundamental shift in how we think about a schools role in preparing students for success. With over fifteen years at the helm of one of the most innovative school networks in the country, Diane Tavenner knows how to help schools, teachers, and families make this shift, and Im thrilled that shes sharing her blueprint in Prepared.

MARC STERNBERG , K12 education program director of the Walton Family Foundation

The stories in this book are all true. I have been fortunate to meet and work with a great number of dedicated educators and inspiring kids. To protect their privacy, I have, in most cases, altered names or certain identifying details.