This is a book about the education America owes to its children, why its education system is in poor condition, and what might be done to give that system both energy and quality.

This is a book about the education America owes to its children, why its education system is in poor condition, and what might be done to give that system both energy and quality. In diagnosing the current practices and priorities of American education, the book presupposes a collective public interest in creating a well-educated next generation. While focused on public schools, the book addresses the education of all of America's children: What should well-educated future citizens learn in school?