Through the use of a consistent analytic framework, this text shows how and why certain school-society issues first arose in this country and how they have changed over time. Introduced and explained in detail in the first chapter, the texts analytic framework focuses on the political economy, the dominant ideology, and existing educational practices that are prevalent in any given historical era. Readings at the end of each chapter are designed for the student to critique using the same analytic framework that the authors employ in the text. In its examination of the evolution of education in the United States, this book tells an engaging historical story.

Steven E. Tozer is Professor of Philosophy of Education at The University of Illinois, Chicago. At The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, he was Head of The Department of Curriculum and Instruction from 1990 to 1994. He has been Chair of The Committee on Academic Standards and Accreditation in The American Education Studies Association and a member of The Board of Examiners for The National Council on Accreditation of Teacher Education. He has written regularly for numerous journals. Professor Tozer completed his Ph.D. at The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He has taught at the early childhood, elementary and secondary levels.Guy Senese is Associate Professor at Northern Arizona University where he teaches Social Foundations of Education and Philosophy of Education. He received his Ph.D. in Education at The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He taught school in Champaign Illinois, and at the Rough Rock Demonstration School on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona.Paul C. Violas (deceased) was formerly Professor of History of Education in The College of Education at The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He has received the College of Education Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, The College Career Teaching Award, and The Universitys Luckman Award for Undergraduate Teaching. Professor Violas received his Ed.D. degree at The University of Rochester. He taught secondary school social studies for six years. He has been a regular contributor to journals.