ENDING THE EDUCATION CONUNDRUM

West Ashley author Jason Deierlein says mentors play a key part in the education and success of at-risk youth

West Ashley author Jason Deierlein recently released a new non-fiction work on education titled How Education Can End the Cultural Problem. In support of the book, he is holding a launch party for his companion website this weekend at Blue Bicycle Books downtown.

Deierlein, who in 2007 published Return from a Comatose Mind about his recovery from a car accident at age 16, says his new book is about the importance of safety and mentoring at-risk children. How Education... discusses methods of mentoring and educating children at an early age. The book relates his experiences working with local second and third grade at-risk students. He says he wanted to get on the street level to see where problems at-risk youth were having was originated, and how it could be corrected.

During the book, Deierlein discusses policies such as the No Child Left Behind Act, which he feels is ineffective, along with bussing students from schools outside of their district. Deierlein suggests students who don't work hard should have their life direction dictated, and the lifestyle of working hard should be encouraged for all students.

Deierlein says this book is more for "academics." Through his own adverse experiences and his experiences in the classroom, he has developed a practical philosophy he suggests is the key to success: work hard. He says most people simply need to make a few changes, and that everyone needs to "try harder," including students, teachers, and parents. He also says that education is the best chance for government to help shape the society we live in.

The book is suited for anyone, but Deierlein says it is especially geared toward single-parent families He also suggests people should be thinking about kids in Afghanistan and Haiti who don't get the chance to attend school, and says educators also need to read his book to better understand the difference between students and their learning abilities.

Deirelein has started a new website in companion with the book, www.jasondeierlein.com. He says the site will help him stay connected with people who are interested in education, as well as those interested in overcoming personal adversity. The web site is also a way for people to find and purchase his publications.

The website launch party is scheduled for 5-7 p.m., Thursday, July 1 at Blue Bicycle Book Store, 420 King Street. The first 50 people in the door will receive an autographed copy of both of Deierlein's books. He will give a brief lecture on his new book at 6 p.m. An after party will be held at Hall's Chop House on King Street.

The event is sponsored by West Ashley-based Teacher's Supply Closet, an organization offering free school supplies to qualified teaching professionals. For more information on the Teacher's Supply Closet, go to www.teacherssupplycloset.org.