This book presents a collection of recent articles on the problems in today's schools, why school and students are underperforming, exploring a range of topics and explaining why some reforms in education are destined to fail while others have been proven to work. The first section, "Teaching Approaches," presents articles on progressive education; curriculum and methods; computers/distance learning; direct instruction, explicit teaching; ability grouping; and whole school reform. The second section, "The Student," offers articles on student beliefs/character education and social promotion. The third section, "Parents and Teachers," includes articles on such issues as the parent-school relationship, teacher salaries, teachers' unions, and teacher evaluation. The fourth section,"Educationally Disadvantaged," discusses such issues as bilingual education, Ritalin, and special education. The fifth section, "Standards and Accountability," looks at the development of academic standards and the fight against testing. The sixth section, "Structuring Education," presents articles on spending, vouchers, contracting out, charter schools, class and school size, federal aid to education and the poor, home schooling, and private schooling. (SM)