Pedagogy Plain & Fancy

About the Book

This present study is concerned with the problem of Special Education in the Amish communities of North America. It tries to ascertain whether this religious denomination has provided any facilities for the schooling of mentally retarded children, and whether its general resources in the field of education are equipped to handle slow learners. Some comparisons with other religious sects in the United States are included.

The recommendations are of a somewhat conservative nature, trying to avoid any unwanted innovation to be dictated by the Federal authorities, and suggesting compromises and moderate reforms enacted by State or local agencies in agreement with the Elders of the Sect, so as to avoid doing more harm than good.

The author feels that while on a national basis, the facilities provided by the Amish for the education of the retarded would be definitely inadequate, the limited nature of their social fabric and the particular system of schooling prevailing within this group makes these inadequacies less obvious or disturbing.

This Historical Analysis is based on all major sources available about the topic and the author has been granted the privilege to consult some unpublished sources written by recognized authorities.

About the Author

The author was born and nurtured in New Jersey to hard working, God loving parents, who emphasized a triumvirate of life; God, Family, and Education. He is Blessed with a loving wife, son and a sister and two brothers, that without their love and support this book would not have been possible.

Dr. Kloskowski is a pedagogist, author an academic with a B.S. Honors degree from Seton Hall University, a M.Ed. degree from Rutgers University, a M.A. degree fro Seton Hall University, a Ph.D. degree from Western Ontario, a Ed.D. degree from Nova Southeastern University and a PD from Harvard University. He has completed additional graduate work at the College of New Jersey, Kean University and the Appalachian University.

He is a I.D.E.A. Academic Fellow, a member of Phi Delta Kappa, Delta Kappa Phi and his biography is listed in Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the East, Who's Who among Child Development Professionals, and Who's Who in American Education, and is a MENSA society member. He has served in the United States Navy/Marine Corps and is a member of the American Legion.

His tenure has spanned over some four decades in the field of education as teacher, administrator, college lecturer, New Jersey State Department of Education Specialist and a educational consultant in private practice.

He has published a number of articles, a book Didacticism: Montessori and the Disadvantaged Student, and an additional book is awaiting publishers consideration.

The author lives with his wife and son, on their Hart Brook Farm, in the Mount Washington Valley of Western Maine.