This timely and provocative manuscript addresses a critical concern shared by many in today's educational landscape. It offers a compelling argument for recalibrating the roles of educators, administrators, parents, and students by restoring clear boundaries and returning accountability to where it belongs- with the student. Especially in the wake of COVID-19, when traditional expectations and responsibilities have become blurred, this book urges a reexamination of what it means to be responsible in a school setting and beyond.
Unlike character education programs that treat responsibility as a teachable trait, this work positions it as a systemic issue-one that must be tackled holistically across families, schools, and society at large. By confronting these hard truths, the book aims to inspire educators and stakeholders to reestablish shared responsibility in order to better prepare today's students for the realities of the adult world.

Review

​“Dr. Novick has written a book urgently needed for our times. With clarity and compassion, he exposes how we are failing today's children and offers a clear, hopeful path to raising confident, independent, and resilient young people. This is a powerful antidote to the rising tide of anxiety and depression facing the next generation.”
―Dr. Douglas Behan, LCSW, DSW, associate professor, director of community education, Rutgers University

“A common thread in education lately is the lack of accepted responsibility on the part of schools, parents, and students alike. There seems to be a 'safety net' for all today as we as a society tend to not let our children fail. Dr. Novick eloquently and systematically concludes this and details how we can all do better by our children by allowing them to fail and thus succeed. With great success usually comes great responsibility; and consistent responsibility and taking ownership can build character. Dr. Novick discusses this in his new book. An underlying theme that Dr. Novick seems to always intertwine in his research is that of building connections between students and teachers; and the best connections in life trust each other and hold each other accountable.” ―Dr. Thomas G. Farrell, MBA, EdD, (NJASA) Regional Superintendent of the Year 2025

“The comprehensive nature of this book, coupled with its blend of intellectual rigor and practical guidance, makes it an indispensable resource for parents, educators, policy advocates, and anyone concerned with the well-being and sustainability of future generations. This book is a scholarly yet accessible roadmap toward reinvigorating the foundational values that underpin a thriving and accountable society. I wholeheartedly recommend it as a must-read for those committed to making a meaningful impact in shaping responsible and capable individuals.” ―Dr. Chris Stout, psychologist, professor emeritus, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois