Unequal Opportunity - A Crisis in America's Schools?

The authors discuss the history of American education and its goals in a democratic society. The nature of the criticisms of public education and the motivations of the critics are examined. The final section includes an analysis of the significance of the public education system's possible demise, a suggested plan of action for the improvement of public education, and a Guerrilla Handbook which offers suggestions for parents wishing to secure the best possible public education for their children.

John Dewey said What the best and wisest parent wants for his own child, that must the community want for all its children. Any other idea for our schools is narrow and unlovely; acted upon, it destroys our democracy. The authors argue that the nation's public schools must be serious about demanding equal educational opportunities without regard for affluence level, religious background, race, gender, or ethnicity.

List of contents

The History of the System
History of American Education
Who are the Critics?
Challenges Confronting the Public Education Entity from the Private Sector
A Socioeconomic Comparison of Public vs. Private School Performance
Education for "Able Learners"
Multicultural Education
Legal Issues in Connection with Public School Criticisms
If America's Public School System Crumbles, So What?
If Our Present System of Public Education falls Apart, What Difference Will It Make?
A Blueprint for Saving the Public Schools
Epilogue
Index

About the author

Bruce Mitchell, Robert E. Salsbury

Product details

• Authors: Bruce M. Mitchell, Mitchell Bruce, Robert E. Salsbury, Salsbury Robert E.
• Publisher: Bloomsbury
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 30.04.2002
• EAN: 9780897897204
• ISBN: 978-0-89789-720-4
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Education > Education system; USA, EDUCATION / Administration / General, Organization & management of education, Social discrimination & inequality, Educational administration and organization, United States of America, USA, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Discrimination, Social discrimination and social justice, Current Events and Issues: Education