Mina P. Shaughnessy

Download or read book Mina P. Shaughnessy written by Jane Maher and published by National Council of Teachers of English (Ncte). This book was released on 1997 with total page 348 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is intended to be both a biography of an extraordinary woman and a historical account of events leading to Open Admissions within the City University of New York (CUNY) in 1970, wherein every graduate of a New York City high school was guaranteed a place within the CUNY system. The book profiles Mina Shaugnessy, who devoted her professional life, and much of her personal life, to working with and for the underprepared student, whom she believed to have as much right to higher education as any more privileged student. Noting that this was not a widely shared belief in academe when Shaughnessy took over as director of CUNY's SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge) Program of remedial and financial assistance and counseling, the book captures the strength and grace with which Shaughnessy faced her opponents. The book portrays Shaughnessy as a complex and fascinating person, more than as an educational icon. It acquaints the reader with the circumstances of Shaughnessy's upbringing, her family and friends, and the twists and turns that led her to a career in higher education. The book includes many of Shaughnessy's writings, which continue to serve as sources of information, confirmation, and inspiration, even after her early death from cancer in 1978. (NKA)