This book re-examines the reflective, controversial voice of John Dewey. Educators and policymakers must take into account various social, political, economic, philosophical, and professional considerations that influence both formal and informal education. Following the introduction by Harvey Neufeldt called "School Reform in Dewey's America," the remaining chapters fall into four main divisions. The first three chapters provide a political, ethical, and philosophical background for understanding Dewey's thought and its educational relevance. Chapters 4 through 6 examine the roles, responsibilities, and education of aspiring and practicing educators and describe the complexity and coherence of Dewey's viewpoint. Chapters 7 and 8 examine several different kinds of schools that Dewey believed had played or could play important but not necessarily valuable roles in developing a profession, preparing future educators, educating children and youth, and reforming society. The discussion in chapter 9 focuses on the kinds of questions that might be raised were educational issues and reform approached from Dewey's perspective. An index is included. (Contains 116 references.) (LMI)