The anthology Critical Issues in Education: A Reader analyzes major issues in education within the conceptual framework of educational reform. The selected readings examine how educational trends are shaping the future and discuss the role schools play in American society.The readings are organized into five sections. The first group questions and classifies the suppositions that undergird education today. The second grouping examines social issues, such as school choice and the academic achievement gap, and how they affect the learning experience both inside and outside the classroom. The third section introduces perspectives emerging from reform initiatives, educational equity, finance, policy, and legal aspects of education, while the fourth addresses curriculum and instruction. The final section is devoted to the teaching profession – both struggles and success strategies. Dedicated to open discussion of critical issues facing teachers, administrators, and parents, Critical Issues in Education benefits students considering teaching at the elementary, middle, or high school level. It is also well suited to programs for pre-service teachers and those returning to post-baccalaureate programs in education.
