This book tells a fascinating story about the realities of urban education in America. It provides new insights on teacher selection and preparation, curriculum, school takeovers, federal legislation, the role of business, and the impact of the civil rights movement on urban schools. The result is a new perspective on what educational reform requires in American cities. This book will be useful to teachers, policy makers, school board members, and parents, as well as classes in multicultural education, ethnic studies, and the social foundations of education.