In this article, the author questions why the resegregation of U.S. schools into two systems--one poor and urban and one well-off and suburban--has remained unnoticed by the public and policy makers. As for state and national policy makers, they have diverted attention away from the deep political, social, and economic forces that have conspired…

The author contends that a voucher system including private schools would allow greater access to quality education and broaden curricular options while reducing the costs of central school administration and ultimately of welfare and crime. (DM)

States that central to any efforts to improve urban schools is the relationship between the school managers and the teachers' union. Recommendations include creating learner-centered schools; focusing on improving the knowledge and skills of teachers; negotiating "Living Contracts"; and expanding school choice by making public schools…

Reviews the progress of Blacks in northern urban schools from World War II to the present. Finds that the problems of academic achievement among Blacks remain severe because of the persistence of racism. (DM)

In this article, four urban high school students and their student leadership and social justice class advisor address the question, "What are high school students' perspectives on the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act's (NCLB) definition of a highly qualified teacher?" As the advisor to the course, Garcia challenged her students to examine…

Discusses the role of the national values of efficiency, choice, and equity in the adoption and implementation of the federal education block grant program and the negative effects on school desegregation. Urges policymakers to consider policy goals, and not just policy instruments, when considering future proposals. (FMW)

Birmingham, like many cities, is losing its White middle class and is pressed to provide services for those who remain. The city's survival will depend on meeting specific educational goals. The mayor would welcome a Democratic president whose policies would focus on cities. (DM)

Applies the findings of the Effective Schools Movement and the School Development Program to improving the educational opportunities of Black urban students. Recommends progressive reform in the following areas: (1) recognizing the centrality of human relations; (2) eliminating barriers to effective teaching and learning; and (3) mobilizing…

This report presents the conceptual framework for a public school choice plan for New York City and discusses why school choice represents the best hope for meaningful reform. Public school choice is defined as giving school professionals the freedom to design innovative and distinctive school programs; and giving parents the right to choose, in…

Options (busing, magnet schools, vouchers, and charters) proffered to make urban public schools more effective have met with political debate and mixed success. Suggests 14 basic policy initiatives that have sufficient use and research support to create genuine opportunities for student success. (Contains 13 references.) (Author/MLF)

Franklyn G. Jenifer, Chancellor of the Board of Regents of Higher Education, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, proposes residential urban schools for at-risk inner city youth. These "urban academies" would remove those who are most vulnerable from the destructive ghetto environment and totally involve them in the educational environment. (FMW)

Reviews the history of the Boston School Committee. Suggests the following structural reforms: (1) shift decision-making to local schools and assure access to the decision-making process; (2) shift personnel decisions to the superintendent; and (3) eliminate the assignment of staff members to individual board members and provide service to…

Compares the organization and effectiveness of public and private schools in New York (New York). Argues that successful schools have a large degree of autonomy and are accountable to their constituencies through the process of competition and choice. (FMW)

The rapid turnover in urban superintendencies reflects changes in big-city school boards that are increasingly characterized as political rather than as public service positions. In addition, the expectation that urban superintendents should find solutions for complex issues and the urban boards' desire for a person of color have resulted in fewer…

In many urban areas, educators rely on magnet schools to strike a delicate balance between the need to create opportunities for equity in education and the need for parents to have greater choice among schools. But, are magnet schools successful? This document considers whether they fulfill the promises of high achievement and desegregation in…