This book analyzes the ways in which majority and minority interests interact in the educational system. It begins with an examination of the excellence movement in American education, and then discusses an alternative approach through which, by emphasizing adequacy rather than insisting on excellence as an institutional requirement, minority groups can be included in the educational process. The discussion is divided into the following five sections: (1) an outline of the concepts, goals, and policies of effective educational environments; (2) a discussion of alternative routes to excellence and the relative effects race, gender, and socioeconomic status can have on educational reform; (3) examples of effective schooling; (4) an examination of teaching and learning strategies for diversified groups of students; and (5) a discussion of future trends in black colleges, and in desegregated elementary and secondary education. Each chapter is followed by a list of references and the book contains an index. (PS)