Author Dale Russakoff to speak at Rider’s Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics

The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University will present “An Evening with Dale Russakoff,” author of a New York Times Bestseller, on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

“We are committed to an open discussion of a variety of public policy issues,” said Dr. Benjamin Dworkin, director of the Rebovich Institute. “Dale Russakoff’s book explores a variety of challenges facing urban education and has made them accessible to a wide audience.  It should be a fascinating evening.”

Montclair resident Russakoff has spent the last 28 years as a reporter for the Washington Post, specializing in topics such as politics, education and social policy. Over the last five years, Russakoff began reporting for her first book, The Prize: Who’s In Charge of America’s Schools? This intriguing and cautionary tale illuminates the country’s ongoing problem of failing inner city schools. The Prize is the most in-depth examination of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s $100 million gift intended to transform Newark’s schools, and what it accomplished – and what it didn’t.

With the popularity of her new book, Russakoff has elevated awareness of the crises that negatively impact and damage American schools daily. Russakoff takes readers into a behind-the-scenes view of the attempt and failure of reforming America’s schools, focusing on New Jersey’s plan directed by Chris Christie, Cory Booker and Mark Zuckerberg.

A light reception will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a presentation and a question-and-answer feature with the audience at 7 p.m. The evening will end with a book signing with Russakoff at 8 p.m. The event will take place in the Mercer Room in Daly Dining Hall on Rider’s Lawrenceville campus. The event is free and open to the public.

Advance reservations to attend “An Evening with Dale Russakoff” are requested by calling Susan Cuccia at 609-896-5350 or emailing [email protected].