Like many other U.S. cities, Philadelphia experienced a prolonged period of deindustrialization and job loss during the second half of the 20th century. As in other northern cities, the process of suburbanization went hand in hand with white flight, increased racial segregation of the city and its schools, and increasingly inadequate funding of…

Discusses the Education Collaborative for Greater Boston (EDCO), an organization founded on the assumption that urban and suburban schools can best solve their problems through joint cooperation. (LR)

After reviewing the extent of in-school truancy in the Detroit high schools, the author offers three recommendations centering on the adoption and enforcement of attendance policies that lead the student to acceptance of personal responsibility for his/her attendance. (Author/IRT)

As we move into the 21st century, a largely unprecedented trend has emerged. Rural and urban schools, for so long faced with distinctly different challenges, have increasingly found themselves facing similar problems: a declining tax base, rising rates of linguistic and cultural diversity, deteriorating infrastructures, and inability to attract…

Arne Duncan, the brightest and most dedicated schools leader Chicago has had in memory, wants Chicago to be a Mecca where entrepreneurship can flourish. In this article, the authors contend that private management of Chicago schools is a long way from Mecca. There is no evidence or educational research whatsoever to show that privately run…

Compares urban dwellers' opinions about urban public schools with all demographic groups. Finds little difference between the two groups. (PKP)

A minute-by-minute account of one Friday in the work day of a principal who is a 40-year veteran of the Battle of Detroit. (EA)

Outlines the benefits individual students experience at the Alternative Learning Center in Evergreen, Washington. An important element in the successful operation of a school of choice is the admissions procedure. To provide a clear and informed decision in school choice this school's admission procedure includes information, screening, and…

A white teacher reports his teaching experience in an inner city school. (JF)

Describes a study of the structure, development, activities, and accomplishments of the community councils in Region One of the Detroit (Michigan) public school system. Lists nine factors that contributed to the success of these councils. (Author/WD)

Describes mainstreaming at the Dowling Urban Environment Learning Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota--a fully inclusive, racially mixed, K-6 magnet school that is expensive but well worth the cost. This school has a clear purpose, few signs of emotional exhaustion among staff, and little depersonalization. Dowling's ambience is in marked contrast to…

Since 1987, Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke has made education his top priority. He strongly supports serious, autonomous schools, insists on accountability, and has impeccable education credentials. Recognizing a crisis in public education, Schmoke moved to save the system from further deterioration and opened it to responsible reform via…

While the Department of Education boasts lower of school dropout rates, graduation rates are also decreasing in some areas. Although the percentage of students graduating on time has remained unchanged, the percentage of noncompleters who eventually get a high school diploma (through a GED or alternative program) increases yearly. Inadequate…

A case study of the failure of alternative" schools designed to reclaim dropouts. (JF)