Discusses R. Herrnstein's and C. Murray's attempt to persuade an educated white readership that they, the readers, are genetically, socially, and intellectually superior. The most effective criticisms are those that rely on scientific evidence about the manipulation of data and flawed analyses rather than the display of moral outrage. (SLD)

The main strength of this book is that it is grounded in an array of research on school reform efforts that it combines with practical suggestions about what works and what does not. It constitutes a useful addition to the educational literature on school reform efforts; unfortunately, it lacks adequate discussions of the complex causes of…