A Notion at Risk: Preserving Public Education as an Engine for Social Mobility

Sep 14, 2000

Authors: Richard D. Kahlenberg

Publisher(s): Century Foundation Press

Public education has long been a critical driving force for upward mobility in this country. Thus, recent data suggesting that American education, in some cases, is having the effect of reinforcing standing inequalities is cause for concern, calling into question the whole notion of an educational dynamic of opportunity. This volume focuses on the needs and shortcomings of urban public schools, especially those in poor neighborhoods. The chapters explore various facets of inequality in schooling: finances, curriculum, teaching, peer groups, and disciplinary problems and procedures, as well as the influence of public opinion on performance and educational practice. The contributing authors examine the strengths and weaknesses of various responses-summer schooling, federal aid to education, stiffer standards, enhancement of teachers' qualifications, charter schools, and zero-tolerance policies.