An examination of social scientists' views on educational policy and practice over the last two decades may be useful to current reform efforts. Part one of this book reviews major social changes that have affected education during the past 20 years and that remain critically important today. Part two consists of papers by scholars who assess the work of their particular discipline and its contributions to a better understanding of education. The following subjects are addressed: (1) "The Family" (Diane Scott-Jones); (2) "Defining School Quality" (Bruce Fuller); (3) "Student Achievement" (Ruth B. Ekstrom, Margaret E. Goertz, and Donald A. Rock); (4) "Federal and State Policy" (Brenda J. Turnbull); (5) "On Social Psychology" (Doris R. Entwisle); (6) "On the Sociology of the Classroom" (Elizabeth G. Cohen); (7) "On Anthropology" (Frederick D. Erickson and Gary J. Bekker); (8) "On Organizational Studies" (Charles E. Bidwell); (9) "On Economics" (Mary Jean Bowman); (10) "On Historiography" (Geraldine Joncich Clifford); (11) "On Political Science" (Paul E. Peterson) and (12) "A Philosopher Looks at the Social Context" (Maxine Greene). (JD)