The author proposes that urban planning can make the difference between a wastage of money and people in a vain, unimaginative and mechanical response to social changes, or an efficient and foresighted application of education to the betterment of our society." (Author/AA)

Argues that the urban educational system best serves its varied clientele and performs its diverse functions if there is substantial power, wisely administered, at both the local school level and at a central place in the school system. (JF)

Presented at the Annual Convention of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (53d, San Francisco, February 28 - March 5, 1969).

"Politics" is used in a broad sense to refer to the social, economic, political, and civil forces that impinge on the publicly financed school system. These forces are generated both from outside and inside the educational system. It is the author's view that the big cities and the school systems of most of these cities are in just enough trouble…

This monograph reports the results of a study of public high schools in the 45 largest cities of the United States. Topics covered include educational goals, school structure and organization, staff characteristics, curriculum, student activities, student activism, and school-community relations. Also included are four case studies. A major…

This paper focuses on the problems of education for disadvantaged urban minorities. Although the educational situation in the big cities is grim, a decade of study and experimentation should ready us for massive positive action. The educational system of the big cities is basically viable. An effective improvement program calls for: (1) developing…